Hello,I am in Seattle area and I have a student applicant who is using a his mom as a co-signer.

Nor have I been able to find an online application that I can fill out. 

.- To utilize the Mills Act requires a few things: An application (not free), inspections, and most importantly a contract with the city in which you promise to rehab and maintain the historic nature of the property.- The inspections are only 5 years, but tenants are not likely to take care of them home as well as you, and refurbishing hardwood, lath and plaster, and anything else is going to be much more expensive than the typical Landlord special (white paint, and grey LVP)It will all come down to making your numbers work.

2 applicants. 

You will want to understand taxes and applicable laws.

Do one task at a time in each app so you can compare apples to apples.Load a property with pictures and details.Market that property.See what your marketing looks like from the public's perspective.Submit a fake application to see how easy the process is.

Your biggest challanges:1) Figuring out how to advertise on Zillow2) Handling all the calls3) Scheduling showings - and getting stood up4) Finding a rental application to use - you can use Zillow's or easily Google for one.5) Figuring out how to screen applicants ***** This is IMPORTANT!

In just the past week, I've had to deny six applications from agent-led showings because the agents didn’t conduct proper due diligence upfront.

Is it similar to Savannah / Tybee where new STR's can only be in certain zoning areas and there is a waitlist for applications?

I've seen some people house hack a single family home by renting out the rooms, but keep in mind that traditional lenders would not be able to use the income from renting out the rooms (known as boarder income) towards additional income on the application.