See what the security deposits are, you are entitled to them. sSe when the leases expire, you cannot raise the rent until it is time to renew the lease. 

Avoid giving more than 50% up front—some contractors will ask for a small deposit to get started, which is fine, but you want the rest to be performance-based to keep the project on track.It’s also incredibly helpful to walk the property with your contractor before finalizing the bid.

You want to be able to evict fast and have a new section 8 tenant lines upThats my number 1 rule with section 8 , but overall I think its great, improves during recession ( recession proof), won't ever go away (govt) , and direct deposits...I find if you treat them good they will treat you well but you need to know when to put the foot down

In case they can't catch up, I would terminate the lease with no penalties and deduct any owed amount from the security deposit.

If they are a first time renter I require a cosigner or a double deposit. 

Quick context: I placed a tenant in one of my units after thorough background checks and collected security deposit + first month's prorated rent via Baselane (bad move!).

No need to move the security deposit, only on paper. 

Once I secured a new tenant I would refund the deposit and there are no damages to you at this point

If you use the major platforms and/or collect deposits you should be fine. 

If you wanted the unit vacant upon possession, you should have written it into the contract and provided a large deposit in case they got rid of them and you then walked away on buying it.