So, if rent is $1000/month, the applicant(s) need to collectively make at least $3,000 before taxes each month. 

Mid-way through the application, i was asked to input a "registered agent" that lives in kentucky. 

A lot of good info.163 Ways to Pursue Excellence - Tom Peters : Not a finance book, but its application will certainly help your finances.

Howdy Jade...I'm next door to you in Augusta.We've filled rentals for our SFH's in October/November but come December applicants tend to focus on the holidays and, often, in January they're too broke FROM the holidays to consider moving.  

And that seems to change how a lender looks at your application?

Once they apply, we get a PDF and get all our answers.. having someone pay to apply weeds out any non-serious applicants.     

Chances are you won't have two tenant applications that are identical income or credit score.

I did have to spend about 10 hours checking references as it took applications to find suitable candidates.I will have no break in tenancy.  

Nothing like the perfect applicant that needs to wait 4 months and has 3 animals. 

I'd say 30 days.....but of course depends on what rent you want, what time of year, where the property is, what price range and so many factors.Typically I say Summer rents better than Winter, especially in great school districts.If you're above probably $3000/month in rent might take 60-90 days and maybe longer depending on how far up the price scale you go....Probably $1500/month and less in metroplex, might be a week or two.Homes that allow pets seem to rent faster than those that don't....so could depend on where you are there.Seems like the last few I've rented went pretty fast if the condition was good and the rent was right....people wanting to apply and move in a few days.Some post said try Z....and I would say just the opposite....typically I get the worst applications from there, but maybe it depends on how picky you want to be.So typically your first payment is about 1month after you close.