For covered properties, Section 4024 of the CARES Act clearly prohibits any penalties, late fees, legal notices, or evictions for non payment of rent for 120 days from its enactment (through July 28th) as currently written.If you denied someone housing because of a COVID-19 declaration such as you described, one could argue you were penalizing an applicant and denying them housing based on a violation of federal law, which could possibly be used as ammunition for a lawsuit and/or a Fair Housing complaint. 

Requests for issues other than these are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but most are declined as a nonessential service in compliance with the Executive Orders.We are allowed to work on vacant homes to get them RentReady, although these projects are taking longer than normal due to long COVID-required lines at suppliers and workers on sick leave.Property ShowingsWe are not allowed to show occupied rental homes per the executive orders.Vacant homes are being shown as we’ve adapted and moved to secured self-showings.Our overall application numbers are up significantly compared to last year.

Starting July 1, 2020, at least one applicant for an insured mortgage with CMHC will need a credit score of at least 680, up from 600.

I use facebook, Google search, and sometimes even LinkedIn to gain more information on an applicant.

However, this option shall not be exercised by Lender if such exercise is prohibited by Applicable Law.If Lender exercises this option, Lender shall give Borrower notice of acceleration.

For collecting rent/applications use COZY it's free and an awesome service.

Am I misunderstanding the 50% rule and the application of the $200/unit cashflow rules of thumb?

I would come up with some form of qualification, an application process for this that actually more so works to quallefy them for the market rates. 

Tell them what they need to supply, and if they do not, move on to another applicant.

I have three applicants, all are currently roommates.