We also have been in business 20+ years locally and have 100+ Google Reviews accompanied by Yelp, Angie's List and Facebook reviews also, along with many local charity projects published in local newspapers.A company with this much good publicity is easy to gauge and justify the 50% deposit. 

@Lauren BishopI've recently published a write-up on Reddit.

Maybe your PMC isn't advertising it where you think they are.Here's what we do for our clients with advertised vacants:Marketing Pics are edited, so your property looks its best:Pics have our Watermark, to avoid crooks copying them and creating fake ads that may result in our ad being dropped from a website.Advertising is published on 20+ websites :We no longer use “For Rent” signs, they statistically attract lower quality prospects and increase the likelihood your property will have a break-in and theft.We track Web Views and Inquiries, analyzing the numbers to identify problems and trends.Showings are exclusively scheduled via our online scheduling software:Prospects can self-schedule at their convenience, 24/7/365, which increases showings.Prospects receive multiple automated communications after a showing, encouraging them to apply and give feedback.We track Scheduled Showings versus Completed Showings to identify potential problems.Our bi-weekly Property Marketing Reports show you Period & Total amounts for the following:Web ViewsInquiriesShowings ScheduledCompleted ShowingsApplicationsWe analyze this data to provide you feedback about what the numbers mean we should do to get your property rented faster.

I just read a published article today by the Columbus Dispatch that Franklin County home values are supposed to rise by 30-35% with re-appraisal.

You should consult an attorney or CPA for your specific situation.ANONYMITY: When you create the LLC, your name is recorded on the documents and published on the Secretary of State's website for all to see.

For instance, if you have a published cell phone number that is on 12 hours each day where potential buyers can call you would most likely be considered principally engaged in the business.

Use online sources, audio books, podcasts, etc.

Published 3 year crime report from the PD for Part I Crimes is showing a 4.3% drop in crime from 22-23 and an 8.9% decrease since 21-23.