Approving applicants based on income

[Cristie Bryan]

I am a new landlord with my first application. I use an online service that does background checks and credit checks with a fee. Two people applied, 24 hours apart. I like both applicants.

Applicant #2 has double the monthly income than that of applicant #1. Applicant #1 barely meets my income requirement, but she does meet it. Applicant #2 obviously far exceeds that.

Am I legally obligated to accept applicant #1 because her application was in first and she technically qualifies?