which applicant do I select for my apartment

[Jake Hutchins]

So I recently purchased my first investment property. It is a duplex and I just finished renovating the downstairs and have it on the market. The area is not bad but also not great (rural town). Thanks to the advice on here we have weeded through a lot of potentially bad tenants. We were getting a bit anxious and final told an applicant we would move forward with him (but have not signed any paperwork, I'm currently doing verification of his info). He meets 99% of the criteria and seemed like a good fit. The day after we get an inquiry from someone who on paper blows this person out the water, far more qualified. Also they are looking to move in a month sooner. 

Am I obligated to stay with the first applicant we told we would move forward with? Any advice for this situation. 

Thank you in advance. 

Jake

[Linda S.]

@Jake Hutchins,

Check out your state laws on this.    Also, I'd be a little weary if it's on paper, it might be so that the background check takes longer  and they are buying time.