She also sends cards to Authors of books that I have read.

Agent’s Supervision of Third PartiesExcept as otherwise herein set forth, in the management, maintenance, operation,repair, or rehabilitation of the Premises, Agent is authorized and empowered to hire,employ, discharge, and otherwise supervise third parties, including without limitation,servants, employees, contractors, subcontractors and other personnel engaged on behalfof and at the sole expense of Owner.Owner shall have sole responsibility and liability for the acts, transactions, oromissions of such third party.

"the author claims that a property that doesn't meet the 1% rule will never be cashflow positive."

If it is a rule, I'd make him work to enforce it-- swim until he proves he has the legal authority to make you leave.

You'll need to give them authority/money for a hefty down if you win. 

Call your local Public Housing Authority.

We all have weaknesses, and for you to recognize it and take the actions towards improving it into a strength of yours is absolutely amazing.

and if you hire the inspector or inspectors they are not suppose to discussed the issues with the owner unless you give them authorization.

I was checking out Cozy's ability to set up ACH payments, but it requires the tenant to receive an email and then fill out and authorize Cozy to take the payment each month.

I would have him send the $100 and a letter that simply says "I authorize the landlord XXX to keep the $700 security deposit for the property at 123 main street.