Help me choose a tenant

[Mogi P.]

Hi everyone. I haven't posted in a while. I've been busy getting a rental in order. I now have a dilemma between two applicant tenants. I am leaning towards one but wanted some of your opinions. The SFH is a 3/2/2 listed for 1295. Comps at 1350. Only other active comp is being listed for 1550.

App #1: single mom with four young teenagers. Will be using section 8 voucher. Income (to be verified) is already 3x rent. Did not have complaints about the house, but section8 still has to do inspections. Some credit issues.

App #2: two grad students working research positions. Good credit. Nitpicked during showing (e.g. how some cabinets doors had a mm gap in closed position). Signs of endless service calls in the future? Constantly wanted to negotiate price down. Requested fridge, washer, dryer at my expense (lower rent if they bought and I keep or I buy at current rent rate). Asked my realtor if they could back out of app if they needed to.

Both are wanting to move in 2 weeks.

Your opinions are appreciated.