Las Vegas paid for and installed a 3rd intake at a lower level than everyone else so that we would get our allocation even if others couldn’t physically get there’s.

International programming also has September, January and May intake for most programs, so there's a year round cohort of students arriving, if you find yourself with a vacancy.In my experience, they are also very unlikely to go the LTB route.

Jump in, take the risk and run your business by the numbers and not others opinions, including my own.

You can compare your rental to the ones on the list (based on sqft, bedrooms, bathrooms, amenities) The process for me in LA is, I list the property at max rent, tenant sees and likes it, I approve the tenant, inspector comes out and tells me what I have to fix prior to move in, advisor/counselor tells me my unit does not qualify for max rent and offers me less, if I agree to lower rent, I get all the approval paperwork and tenant pays security deposit and moves in (takes 2 months) In $$, I have a sec 8 tenant in LA and the maximum that sec 8 will pay this year is $1,450, market is $1,500, and I only get $1,100.

If they invite you in, take notice of the condition of the place and talk with them about their situation.

This business is like any other put your time in take you knocks learn a bit and make your money.Some of the people you say are "sand bagging" are actually giving you good advice, and are certainly successful in this business.

Awesome @Ken Cooper way to dive right in! Taking

5) I'm thinking of using a prescreening intake form of some sort and narrowing down applicants before emailing prospects the cozy link to apply.

If you pm me I would be happy to send you a seller intake form I use. 

Second of all, good for you in taking control of your life and deciding not to be subjected to the rat race.