I've been told a credit inquiry will only have a 3-5 point change, and remember if you had 4 separate lenders run your credit within a 30 day period, that only counts as one inquiry.FHA is used because of the lenient qualifications, and despite the mortgage insurance (called MIP), you can get a really low nominal interest rate.

I would phone screen them, if they meet the minimum qualifications I would then set up a showing.  

What are some qualifications, classes, or any other tips you may have that will help me look like the best candidate?

One example would be 1.5% down for FHA type loans rather than the full 3.5%Lender credit just depends on the margin the lender you are working with has, your personal qualification of the loan such as credit score, the amount of the loan, and the way the market is.

We have rental qualifications listed on the application that they have to sign off on.

If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their different staff qualifications.2.

The costs, term, and interest will depend on the lender and your 'friend's" qualifications, and that the property appraises for the amount applied for.Your final question is concerning a 'blanket' mortgage. 

First, I find it interesting that you say they are "similar tenants" and then you list personal characteristics that have nothing to do with their qualifications as a renter.Something differentiates them and makes one better than the other two.

Some people like to ask questions but I prefer to just rattle off my qualification criteria and let them determine whether they want to waste everyone's time or not."

If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their different staff qualifications.2.