Once you feel secured in that, I would encourage you to start going to different areas, walk through open houses and seeing the homes gives you an interesting perspective for what to expect and then you can engage with agent and lenders to find out the right fit for you.

I wasn't sure what to do because the replacement of it might cost more than my security deposit.

I would either collect first and last month's rent, extra security deposit, something to mitigate the risk of a marginal applicant like that as well. 

There are hotels now that offer kitchens, clean towels, housekeeping, security, front desk, concierge services all much cheaper than a dingy ABB where the owner is cutting corners to keep up his rental payments and ABB fees.

Each group claims that they paid the last month rent and security deposit.

@Bryan Cress Yes, I've been in law enforcement for 14 years, after 20 I get a bonus $1,100 ish a month from age 50 (if I've retired from the job) until social security kicks in.

I thinks it’s okay to secure a rental while your shopping for a home.

I don't have to secure their SS numbers or drivers license.

Feel free to message me and I can frwd all the 2021 docs to keep compliant.Make sure you collect a security deposit (normally I would not recommend security deposits in chicago) as the roommates tend to just move out with no notice otherwise, even in the class A areas.

Usually they are a secured first lien position loan and escrow the money.