Still open to any PM recommendations if anyone has any.Hi Natalie, I was only using Icon for leasing purposes after they started up, but for the last few years I've been leasing and managing my own properties. 

Or just require a full year lease to students?

With your background in lease management and site selection, that could be a natural next step.Regarding STRs, I can understand the hesitation—accurate expense tracking is critical, and not having that data can make evaluating deals frustrating.

Managing a rental yourself can be time-consuming, especially if you're handling maintenance, tenant relations, and lease enforcement. 

Can I, or should I, approve both applications and then see who signs the lease first?

Having a lease from someone that has no authority to lease the unit does make them a tenant.  

January rent has not been paid to the property owner, as I am sure the lease spells out, but to someone else.

Lease has stipulations for condition of blinds.  

It's difficult to see how a tenant will be after screened and signing a lease.

When you add on your new lease fees, lock box fees, inspection fees etc. the percentage creeps far higher.