Tax deeds convey title to the purchaser free of all prior encumbrances (mortgage liens, judgment creditors, etc.) of any kind ​except liens specified by Revenue and Taxation Code Section 3712, Lis Pendens actions and any Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) liens that are not discharged by the sale”.

You can check the Franklin County court records for any evictions or criminal background and cross reference this with what was on the application and their credit. 

Do I move forward with them filling out the application before I've even closed on the property, along with paying for the credit/criminal/background check and sending them the Estoppel Certificate?

International students make great tenants and typically stay 1-4 years. 

Reach out to them and let them know you want to be an intern for a summer.

Credit score is great, no criminal background seen, no evictions, not a registered sex offender.  

I love how international travelers bring their unique customs and cultures to me. :)House hacking is HERE TO STAY.

You need to be researching civil not criminal codes.

They can figure out their own internal financial arrangements for themselves. 

Of course, we also need to complete background checks on each tenant, including criminal, credit, and eviction checks, and a solid lease agreement too.