I would remind him to clean and leave the property in similar condition as move-in for his security deposit to be returned.

I need to start shopping local banks/credit unions to secure financing for my (hopefully near future) rental property purchases.

If so, does the agent put together a contract to ensure that my finders fee is paid beforehand?  

We are both fortunate enough to have secure jobs with good salaries and flexible schedules.  

The ipod nano is small enough to fit in a tool pocket that can be closed so that it's secure.  

- however, renting is the right option at the moment and I want to ensure that I cover my own back without coming off as over-sensitive or pushy. 

The loan was secured by 2 properties in Chicago.In the closing documents, there's an Escrow Agreement which says the private lending mortgage broker acts as escrow agent for borrower and lender to hold said Quit Claim Deed: (Escrow agent = private lending mortgage broker) with the following terms1.Borrower agrees to deliver to Escrow Agent an executed and notarized Quit Claim Deed running to Lenders for the properties2.

Your time here will be well spent.Since you expressed an interest in buy and hold as well as multifamily units, I added links below for your review.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/07/19/how-to-buy-a-duplex/ (guide to buying a duplex) https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/16/how-to-choose-areas-multifamily-deals/ (Choosing multi-family deals)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

FCRA is Fair Credit Reporting Act and meant to ensure you don't discriminate based on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or public assistance.  

What he is offering is:-His team will do the due diligence on the title to ensure it's clean-acquire the property from auction with room to make 20-50% profit-provide actual comparables-consultation prior to auctionHe wants a non-refundable payment of $2500 to set up an account and the $2500 per property making it $5000 up front (in addition to actually financing the properties in question).