I am sure in your lease somewhere it says that the security deposit cannot be used for the last months rent or something to that effect.

Currently, I have a full time job in the fenestration business, and I was legitimately curious if the whole concept of "indoor/outdoor living" had a major effect on home values. 

The ability to assign a contract is a great tool.

He has filled the garage with a huge safe, racks of tools & power tools, table saw, etc.

Issue is a little different since you house hack...... its your house too, so living with slobs will directly effect you vs "sight unseen" and deal with the issue at turnover.You wont change them...not gonna happen.The cleaning service is a great compromise but fitting the entire bill yourself is not.......

If you sell then a 1031 exchange would be the tool you'd lose so you don't have to pay the $20K or so in tax.

I also look at forced appreciation, which is one of the strongest tools in my tool belt in the value add apartment space. 

@ Paul - that's based off the calculator in BP's tool using a 5.1% note for 30 years.  

@Theodor Morgan, buying a multi-family is a very common (and effective) strategy that many new homeowners/investors have employed.Run the property through the BP Calculators to find out how good a deal it is.

I've helped lots of budding investors leverage new technology to more effectively self manage their units!