Ask for higher security in person have them back out on their own if they still want the place you will be safer with more security

Here is the key: Don't pay for anything until it's done to your standard.

Best way to understand this is research appraisal standards and means. 

.: I haven't passed this past legal review so for what its worth: Part of my standard requirements for everyone include income is at least 3X rent, minimum credit score, say 640, Clean record and no evictions as well as deposit is paid in full at signing of lease and 1st month rent is paid in full prior to handing over the keys.

“Broker” is a legal term that often requires standardized coursework and a state license. 

Not one member has ever said an LLC saved them when a standard insurance policy.

From personal experience, this can motivate them to do a final deep clean before handing over the keys.Finally, for peace of mind, you might consider consulting a local real estate attorney.

I know property managers in every state who use non-refundable application fees and it is the standard for every class of property and applicant.

LTRs with long term conventional financing and standard management aren't really cash flowing anywhere right now. sure, there are lower cost markets that look better on paper, but there are costs associated with those supposedly cheap markets as well - deferred maintenance, more challenging tenant base, higher cost turnovers as a percentage of the rent.2. i wouldn't pick a random market thousands of miles away based solely on statistics or numbers. 

Most properties are remotely managed by owners/PMs and what was suggested would be an impossible and unrealistic standard to set - much less enforce.