We were concerned about whose name to put the utilities in, and requiring a utility deposit was the only way we knew to ensure last-month coverage.

Tenant to accommodate showings last 30 days of tenancyTenant to provide proof of renter's insuranceTry and get direct deposit for rent

If they damage something, you never gave them permission to make alternations, so wouldn't damage come from the deposit?

Then, once the lease starts the reservation fee converts to their deposit.

If it’s a cultural problem, it’s going to be tougher.If you really think you can lick the problem, determine if the trash gets deposited during certain hours (i.e., after school, weekends) and hire a custodian.

This is a free look period where you can cancel the deal at any time and get your deposit back.

Since this is your first time, you may want to decide and document what your rental criteria will be regarding employment, credit & background check, the documents the prospective renter will need to submit, your actual lease will have to be in accordance with your local/state landlord tenant law and what your deposit will be.

However, as Bill Gulley has pointed out, the small factor of the positive cash flow makes it a challenge to find a vehicle to deposit the funds that would not trigger a taxable event.

You can pay a certain percentage upfront as deposit and remaining balance upon completion and final walkthrough.Are you talking about paying Contractor B a walkthrough fee?

Essentially, I would be taking all the monthly payment risk, vacancy, turnover, and deposit/damage responsibility from him, in exchange for a deal on rents to compensate me for that risk.