How much are most of the GC's asking for as an upfront deposit when you start work on a project?  

I would not permit the security deposit to be used as rent.. and your lease should show that or the security deposit form should.

Out it goes--with her security deposit to replace it with something else.Question for everyone: Some landlords I know have begun to install cheaper builder-grade granite in their rentals instead of laminate because of the durability.

Make them do a non refundable deposit.  

Another reason why those same properties show such terrible returns for typical investors (who only have say 20% deposit) - you're competing against well-heeled owner-occupiers!

I use deposit only ATM cards.

If you want to acquire property by participating in the tax deed auction itself, many of them are online now days, you simply have to make sure you are registered by the required time frame with a 5-10% deposit of your maximum bid. 

This should help with any assumption about the rent collection and if the seller holds last month's/security deposit that needs to be transferred to you.

One person stated, since they don't meet criteria: I see my credit score came in below your minimum requirement2- If they fulfill screening criteria, schedule a tour and then handout Rental Application, if they are interested and after their consent, use https://rentprep.com/ or https://www.myrental.com/ for tenant screening.3-If everything checks out and all good, ask for security deposit, use a lease agreement(addendum) along with RentPrep Move-In-Move-Out-Checklist and lots of property pictures and handover the keys.Is there any other key step or detail which I have been missing?

I'm trying to figure out the best investment strategy & I have up to $190K for a down payment. My company made $40K net profit in 2019 & much less in 2018. My net for 2020 is about $30-$40K but I haven't filed...