You can then sue in small claims for damages in excess of security deposit.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and will dangle tax incentives and grants in front of the selected communities in order to create a dependence partnership between local government, businesses and agencies and the Federal government “to create jobs, leverage private investment, increase economic activity, expand educational opportunities, and improve public safety.”The UPI contributed to this report.

Whether that is in securities, real estate or cash holdings, there isn't any way to trick a bank/lender into thinking you have more collateral.

As Joe said, pay the realtor their commission, but make their commission payment dependent on you finding/securing a tenant buyer for the property.

The cost of court, lawyers, etc. not to mention public perception.

What do you think about using those to at least secure the property for your down payment, and then pay it off as fast as you can?

This prevents things like "the LL said my security deposit would be applied to my last months rent (no your SD is for damages and will be refunded AFTER the last months rent is paid and any repairs are deducted), "the W/D,fridge, stove... are mine not the previous LL's", "I signed for $500/mo rent but the LL said I only had to pay $400 as long as I mow the grass and do the snow removal" ect2) Now you need to know if the LL might have placed higher than market tenants using some sort of a teaser "no SD required" or " free first months rent (but higher than market rent for the remaining lease term)".

I should note that the weather was -5 degrees with a wind chill of -20 or -30 degrees....record lows and coldest temperatures in 20+ yearsI have 2 questions:1: I have language that would support holding the tenants accountable for 'accidently' leaving the door they granted access to the utility employee open by not making sure it was properly secured.

If they don't pay, I would take it out of their security deposit.I post signs in my houses inside one of the kitchen cabinet doors with some basic info, like how to contact me, etc.

Welcome to BP @Chris Jones Be sure to read the Bigger Pockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing to start off as Josh and Brandon put a lot of time into that great publication.