They are the most stable and profitable rental niche out there when done right, in my opinion.I've purchased some units with S8 tenants in place and I'd recommend submitting the new owner paperwork to the Housing Authority immediately following the close of the purchase.   

After submitting my offer and was under contract, there was a fire that destroyed the utility room.

I would submit a rent increase to the $1400 max allowed. 

The first attempts at submitting the POA were met with resistance, but each time it was kicked back I added or removed information until the bank was comfortable with the document.My attorney was a huge help.

Everyone over the age of 18 who will be in the house, submits all their paperwork (ie pay stubs; taxes, social security card, drivers license, references with relationships to those references, etc) so you can run a background check. 

Agent called me back, but I'm guessing no one else submitted because of the pending short sale status.

We can of course provide copies of the returns we submitted, plus any other documentation requested (bank statements?) 

I submitted a simple offer through my real estate agent (property was agent owned as well), and it was accepted within a couple days.

I sold 2 of my St Louis S8 properties through the platform this year.A little note- make sure your PM submits new owner paperwork to the housing authority ASAP!

Since you are seeing a lot of prospective tenants submit inquiries this early on - I would urge them to submit applications.