Realistically, I only put down my original $5,000 in earnest money and at closing I received $5,662 (excluding $3,950 in security deposits) since I used my commission as a down payment on this deal.

She can leave on good terms and get a deposit back or she can make it difficult and expensive for both parties.You'll have to toughen up if you want to be successful as a Landlord.

I have not done a deal like this before and I wan to be sure I'm not waking myself into ta trap by trying to save on the deposit. 

The biggest obstacle, and the biggest reward is found in matching you, the property, and the manger together.  

Is it going to be more expensive than the damage deposit?

I am assuming the fees are small.Presumably, you have a security deposit. 

You want to make sure if you are billing back the tenant in a sfh that you get a deposit for water or you'll be holding the bag when they move.

Hi @Joe Krug, crowdsourcing platforms exist because there is no efficient market mechanism which matched capital with deals.

As far as backing out yes you can request your Escrow deposit back during the inspection period for any reason you deem fit, many individuals will say it is a free look however professionally that not the best description since it is not free, with any due diligence you invest in inspections and other professional services to answer as many unknowns as possible to remove as much risk as you can prior to purchase.

And well, 'sales' happen.What's important here, is the (PID=PIN) column 'O' is what you can use to match against the county file in the future, for your own updates to owner information.Enjoy.