Some of the business dealings described go as far as criminal behavior and fraud.

First of all, I always do full credit and criminal background checks, and verify their rental history with previous landlords. 

The fact you don’t mention the strategy leads me to believe you already know it’s unethical at best and criminal at worst.

Make sure you screen your tenant thoroughly, screen for credit and criminal Also make sure that you include lawn care and maintenance.  

Due to the recent charges, however, NRIA has further placed the consultant on suspension pending the results of the criminal litigation and he has been removed from any activities involving the company.

I personally don't charge an application fee, because of personal reasons...I screen and then let the selected tenant complete the criminal/credit/background check through an independent party that collects the fee.

Have you already run complete financial, criminal and rental history checks on all of them?

Also a concern here is the addition being an approved/permitted spaceSection 8 not withstanding if the addition wasn't a permitted addition you'll likely will be taking a significant risk that should a tragic event take place there with a loss of life or serious injury you'll have no place to hide as most insurance companies will not pay your claims plus the civil and criminal penalties are severe!

I have a criminal record.(3 Felonies)Would I be wasting my time and money going to the classes just to find out I cant get my license and or no one will hire me?

Update on my situation: I took the guy to court, and he was hit with only a $100.00 fine, but at least he has "criminal trespass" to his name now.