Landlord didn't want direct deposit because she said the program was not real and might have tapped into the apartment complex bank account.

What about deposits?

SB 291 prohibits the landlord from charging a screening charge unless the landlord includes written notice to the applicant of the following:A right to appeal a negative determination, if any right to appeal exists;Any nondiscrimination policy as required by federal, state or local law plus any non-discrimination policy of the landlord, including that a landlord may not discriminate against an applicant because of the race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, familial status or source of income of the applicant;The amount of rent the landlord will charge and the deposits the landlord will require, subject to change in the rent or deposits by agreement of the landlord and the tenant before entering into a rental agreement; andWhether the landlord requires tenants to obtain and maintain renter’s liability insurance and, if so, the amount of insurance required.The following will require landlords to review their screening criteria and application documents.

The previous landlord took no deposits, and criminal activity was the "norm."

As you likely already know, it's pretty much impossible to find a DST that outperforms, if even matches, the returns of syndications (have done a lot of projections with those, too), and they are expensive, rarely offer value add opportunities, and have a long hold period.

I'd suggest you interview at least 2, then you can decide if you're both a good match.   

To especially confirm that, check if the unit inside is still there because it'll have to match.

If they never received a satisfaction of mortgage letter and the lender does not have the necessary documents, you can try to obtain a lien release from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

You should be able to keep the deposit and send them to collections for the AC and any unpaid rent. 

I fear that since I want to have my first deal so bad, I will force my "promising" deals to match my financial objectives, what would you recommend to keep my head focused and not let my emotions rule the analysis of my deals?