These applicants don't even have a job prospect and think they can sign a lease.

We want to know what type of job they have and how long they have it.

But I will be starting a new job as a federal employee at Scott AFB, in Southern Illinois, just 25 minutes east of St.

Great Job on doing the due diligence up front and thwarting the potential disaster!

I think most just save cash from their day job. 

Best weishes on your new job.

I work two part-time jobs, probably making about $25k a year, and I have some money in my HYSA (about $10k).

1) If I rent out 1 or 2 properties, both as long-term rentals, and I do over 750 hours in various jobs related to the rental (property management, maintenance, renovation, marketing, etc), and this is my only job, does this qualify me as a "Real Estate Professional?"  

Positive high wage job growth and population increases?

Nice job!