In most situations the tenant is 100% responsible for the initial security deposit payment, and any recurring utility charges. 

Taxes, utilities, maintenance, cleaning, marketing...Gross income doesn't mean squat to your wallet.

I truly did intend on just having them complete the Apartments(dot)com application, since it appears to utilize the TU SmartMove screening details that many here boast about... so the only thing that I am concerned on getting signatures for is the Authorization to Release Information when reaching out to current/previous landlords and employer for various verifications.

Then there are the challenges with Section 8 tenants paying utilities and taking care of their rental property.

. $400 a month for utilities, $500 for misc expenses like toiletries, maintenance/repairs, landscaping etc. $150 a month for insurance (this might be low?).

Give them a triple net lease (meaning they pay rent, and they're also responsible for insurance, utilities, and maintenance).

I will be sure to utilize the bigger pocket resorces.

So, I don't just factor in hard expenses like mortgages, taxes, insurance, utilities.

You need to investigate and figure it out.If you include utilities with rent, I recommend placing a limit so the tenant is responsible for excess use.

I don't want to pick on you but you recently posted about utilizing land trusts and Wyoming LLC's to purchase real estate in Arkansas and also posted questions  suggesting you were unclear on how general liability coverage works/ is issued for a $170K purchase.