If you want to investigate which city that would appreciate more, you could check Redfin competitiveness score !

Once you get past credit unions, local banks and hedge funds that purchased in bulk, you gotta be careful. 

Credit scores can be as low as 640 but that will affect loan to value and potentially approval.

What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?

What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?

Does anyone know if this applies if the applicant is volunteering a two-month deposit in lieu of a high credit score?

You would be talking to regional banks and credit unions. 

All security deposits shall be held by the landlord for the tenant, who is a party to the rental agreement, in a bank, credit union, or depository institution which is insured by an agency of the federal government.

I am currently still in school so I am relying on my good credit score and loans to get started.If anyone has any good tips to point me in the right direction, all are welcome!

Here’s what Zillow shows:Credit score is about 640one time payments: 81%total debt $15k open accounts are all student loans which has a note that says dispute resolved - consumer disagrees.