You just want to be careful so you'll never be accused of denying someone if you approved someone else in that same circumstance.  

Choose your most qualified applicant, do not deny based on the dog.If he is the most qualified do not worry about a pet fee.

I am not sure if this strategy is legally sound, as I do see potential for abuse.

I discourage it at all points of the compass... its the province of many out and out thieves.. ( not saying this guys is a crook of course) but you can bet there has been many a seller totally abused by this scheme.

I've tried  heloc deniedEquity lines denied Hard money denied Quicken almost said yes but my accountant deducts too aggressively I think I did a major renovation that year so it showed on paper that i only earned 13kSo on paper I don't make enough to buy a propertySince then I have added another rent to the rollAnd no renovations last year so hopefully income will be adequateMy credit score is high enough but according to some lenders There are factors that are hurting me Debt to incomeAmong others things 

I won't deny it.  

If I remember right the designated person triggers the request to take over the account, and you are notified of the request and have x hours to deny the request if you are still able to respond.  

The previous owner still denies holding any money for the tenant.I'm stuck in the middle.

It was abuse.

I am going to pick up a 3rd soon with the ability to set limits so I can make sure people don't abuse the HVAC.