The problem would be getting them to commit and look at this, I know a lot of management firms utilize these deposits for extra revenue but they need to be fair and give you every opportunity to correct. 

Now, if you are investing in your own state and in areas that you know then getting your real estate license might be worth it, especially if you are trying to save as much money as possible since you could earn the real estate commission on homes listed on the MLS or with sellers that are paying commissions to agents.

Presently I work full time at Wal-Mart as a Maintenance Supervisor and wish to be able to earn a self sustaining income through real estate so that I can retire my 9 to 5 job, be my own boss and have time to travel with my wife and enjoy life.                            

I'll keep in mind putting extra $$ aside to deal if the issue should arise. 

Its always going to be scary to get started but having everything else in order will help to give you that extra push to get started! 

PM me if you've got a bit of extra time and we'll see if we can get something on the calendar.Cheers!

I know Freddie Mac now requires 25%, but finding that extra 5% will be difficult for me at the moment.  

I do not have a lot of extra money and I'm from a smaller type of town.

@Chris Connolly because you should just buy something turn key for $100k earn a higher return and not have to deal with a rehab

There are ways to off set the fee, charge pet rent (I charge $250 non-refundable and $50/month per pet), some tenants have two dogs and pay $100 a month extra.