In this case I get a $500 or so deposit and get the balance 2 to 4 weeks prior to their arrival.I have alot of families and get more checks than anything.After their stay I send them back their security deposit via the same means they paid me.My repeat customer I don't charge a security deposit.

Yes my experience has been pretty much the same with section 8, also unclean but usually security deposit covers and they stay for a while. 

I had two singles that moved in, with a similar background, but they were not a couple and paid separately and thought of their security deposits and responsibilities as separate. 

Some PM's charge a double security deposit if they want to move fwd on a candidate like this.

Make sure you consult with professionals before doing an inspection and paying for appraisal to find out that the home cannot be financed with your deposit at risk.

Wondering what's a reasonable pet fee to charge as well as deposit in Atlanta.

Make sure you get a copy of the lease and make sure the owner gets a copy of that lease at closing, make sure the tenants security deposit transfers to the new owner at closing.

This takes quite a bit of pressure off my shoulders by planning for their safety prior to planning for their future, though I'm doing both. ;) 

In CA, new assembly bills just passed which made it legal to rent both the main house and the ADU, made the ADU permit process have to be completed in 60 days or less, granted single family zoned properties to be able to build not 1 but 2 ADU units and also allowed multi family zoned properties to also be able to add an ADU (which was previously not allowed in CA). so I suggest you check with your local building and safety department to see what you can and can’t do.One play, as a suggestion, and if legal in your area, would be to buy a property and add the ADU unit to create more equity and cash flow.

@John BellThey should have a minimum of $2,350 earnest money deposited with escrow.