As the senior director fancy title man that you are you personally could offer much more for peoples time.

Call around and talk to a few people I'm pretty sure you will find someone who will make the time for you who can tell you pretty much on the phone if you could qualify and ballpark for how much. 

Sub to us a bigger deal than most people realize.

I've had people tell me not to worry about it and to just do it, and I've had other people say the bank will call the loan due.

Typically people charging for that service are doing it because they need the money...if you catch my drift. 

My current situation is that I always flip with other people’s money.

I am looking for advice from people who have done this in the past.

Quote from @Theodore Sutton: Check out the site meetup.com and also the events page on BP for meetings up in your area to meet people like this and build relationships.

I can see how an application fee per person can be a deterrent for applicants in my case whether for more upscale rentals people may see it as more normal.I am starting off as a non-refundable fee and measure the resistance, then adjust if needed.

Mentioning unique perks like 'Game Room,' 'Lake View,' or 'Pet-Friendly' can really draw people in.