My advice is to deny the applicant now, because you simply don't have the skills to really find out and this is apparently not a C-class neighborhood rental, but to start the learning process.

I have seen everything from medical bills, loss of a spouse, divorce, loss of jobs to identity theft cause someone to have to file.

The most promising avenue seems to be applying my writing, research, and marketing skills to the real estate business.

Though it may not be the way things work, I have some skills, in the multimedia space that could be leveraged to provide some value, for those interested in helping.

Put a skill to use in some of your spare time, like teaching english or anything else you can come up with.

It's all give and take and cost/benefit analysis you need to consider/decide upon.As others have said, go to local REI meetings, meetups, or just try to connect with people here and see what value you can provide these people in exchange for their help.Maybe you can re-design their website for them, or do some bookkeeping, or clean their office, or whatever skill you have that you think they might benefit from. 

I would like to get into the real estate game by doing what I am good at first, while I learn skills such as marketing, financing, negotiating and more.

The realtor's communication with this tenant does not seem to be helping. 2) If she actually moved in, it is 95% likely she may have additional tenant protections due to her age and medical condition.

I am not fearful when I do my job but I do use professionals where professional skills are called for.

Even though I agree with you I still believe this type of opportunity exists in the high-end market so I just want to be prepared with the right knowledge and people skills no matter what market I reside.