If anyone can give me any advice about investing in this area, during this time frame with the covid element, or any general knowledge going into my first rental property purchase, it would be much appreciated.

I can invest in numerous other areas.

"To know and not do, is to not know" -- one of my favorite quotes from Neo–Confucian philosopher Wang YangmingBefore I bought my first rental, I read Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, Build A Rental Property Empire, BRRRR, The Book on Rental Property Investing— numerous books.

Since I am out of state investing, its not as easy as asking the tenants if a security deposit was collected and the selling agent has been asked numerous times to retrieve this information but to no avail.Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I like them listed by the address then in numerical order.Renters in houses do not like the name and ask why I would use a site for apartments with houses.

@Ann Anderson Some here have said that the contract is not binding without the deposit being tendered, so let's look at the elements of a contract.The three major components of a contract are offer (your written offer), acceptance (the seller accepts your offer) and consideration (something of value changes hands).So at first glance, it appears that you might be of the hook without tendering that deposit - HOWEVER - there is case law that treats the offer itself as a thing of value that can satisfy the need for consideration. 

I thought in order to make it worth a job position I'd add some additional elements of more of a PA (some transaction management for my realtor work, etc).Being that it is a job that is light work spread throughout a day, I am leaning towards making it a salary position.

While I'm not a CPA and this question is best suited for one, there are numerous ways to have the organization of LLC's work in your favor.With two separate EIN's and two LLC's, these are (to the best of what I can suggest as a Realtor, not a CPA!)

He said it has a clear title...Its a great deal but Im out of my element and weary about proceeding.Is it safe to purchase with a Quit Claim?

I've talked to Elements Credit Union in the past.