I refuse to shell out money upfront and find out that we aren't a compatible match.

If they don't, their case manager can give them a nudge.We especially like receiving the HA portion of rent by direct deposit and it always arrives before rent is due, sweet.

I made some deposits and took off for a family afternoon and the traffic was horrible, I cut through residential areas and stayed off the main streets.

If there are complications afterwards, I could walk away and potentially lose my $5k deposit.

Most lease option deals require 1st months plus deposit, credit check, verified income...

What about raise rent maybe $100 now add $50 to the security deposit and leave room to increase rent for later?

She's looking to take over but not quite sure how to structure the deal as it is currently not meeting rent and she doesn't have the security deposit.

@Wayne Brooks This is the part that concerns me in his bid sheet:"Should I be the final bidder, I will immediately pay to the seller a non-refundable deposit of $500 and within 24 hours, pay the remaining balance to the seller, and will in return receive a quit-claim title.

They would be willing to pay $1600 per month, for the shorter term + $500 pet deposit.

This works fine with electricity and gas, but in many jurisdictions the water/sewer is either not segregated by unit or, in the case of a SFH property, must remain in the name of the property owner - which leads to the landlord carrying this utility.We have many student tenants who are unable to secure utilities in their name without posting a substantial deposit - this has to do with their not having a sufficient credit history.