Applications and overall steps to take for new tenant process

[Adam Triplett]

Hello all. I'm just now starting the landlord adventure. Trying to learn everything on the go but man oh man i should've attempted to split an atom, haha. I began by listing my property on zillow property manager given its large reach. I've been reading many opinions on zillows applications vs turbo tenant, rentredi, etc.. It feels as though while the zillow application is cheaper, it sounds as if its lacking vs most of the others. Can anyone explain what zillows application is lacking and if I can do the rest of the background screening research on my own or should i just opt for the more expensive applications and let them handle all the background stuff? I don't wanna run people away by asking for $50 app fee but should i simply trust the process?

Also, once the application is settled, what are the next steps? Sending out and going over the lease if they are accepted? Im thinking i don't need a management software app/site yet, as i only have 1 property thus far. I have the lease and can make a spreadsheet for payment stuff. I only wonder about which site/app to use right now since it seems every place has a different application and how far each one dives into the individual. 

Hope im explaining this all well. Any advice is much appreciated. What a fantastic site this is, to learn from.