If you have done any past deals, show them your track record and that will instantly build credibility.

They rent to people w/  kids-- kids mess things up, it's part of the game, that's why there's a security deposit.    

Do you or the non profit have money for a deposit to tie the land up? 

We do have a real estate agent assisting us in finding renters and with the showings, however, I'm not really sure we should have a first "bad start"Should we minimize the risk of the "buts" by requesting a higher upfront deposit (e.g.: 3 rents in advance)?

We do have a real estate agent assisting us in finding renters and with the showings, however, I'm not really sure we should have a first "bad start"Should we minimize the risk of the "buts" by requesting a higher upfront deposit (e.g.: 3 rents in advance)?

If the rental is not on two years of tax returns, then lenders can use a current long term lease, showing the monthly rental income, three months of recent bank statements showing the rental income deposits, and then allow 75% of that rental income when computing your debt to income ratio.  

., and offer things like Business Deposit Cards and specialty services.

Economically speaking, there's an upfront non-refundable deposit for the option that doesn't go towards the purchase price.

My current property manager does not want to deal with a mobile property.Also the management costs of the tenants, who may not be blessed with secure income, or may not be in a position to automatically deposit the rent on a predictable and reliable schedule.I am only looking at pure cash flow, as I don't intend to flip the properties.My head tells me that lower end properties yield much better cash flow numbers, but my gut is not convinced or ready to take on the unknown management costs.

The listing agent would be required to refund your good faith deposit (if any) and you can move on to a better deal.