Be sure you get credit for the security deposit at/before you close.You're right on the lease.

Make sure the cash flow is secure with high quality tenants.Eliminate all personal debts.Secure your personal income streams (work / education / skill development) for yourself and your family.Leave yourself a cash emergency fund that can cover a year's worth of all personal and real estate expenses.These first few properties should be completely paid off.

Most administrators will dump RE converting to securities for better asset management

Be careful not to buy more than a 60 day supply at a time.

They want the anchor to give them the security to affect an area.

I've incurred some expenses with inspections, rental business license, some repair work done, and installed a security system. 

I've been reading the mass.gov literature and have pretty much decided not to mess with security deposits if I can help it.

Too many other states where I can get great returns and have them out in 3 to 4 weeks time for the whole process.Are you allowed there to require large security deposits or advanced fees to cover such a scenario??

@Liam Goble well my business is supplying Memphis investments to non US residents I live in Fiji but spend plenty of time in Memphis and New Zealand.

You need to be financially secure before buying all those nice liability things.