Any opinions...this would be in the instance there are multiple applicants for a single property and only one is chosen...

If there are multiples I let the chosen applicants know the place is theirs, as long as they complete the lease signing process and pay the security deposit, and any other fees needed. 

I pay the contractor or subcontractor based on jobs completed (typically in three draws), and I make sure the materials are chosen by me or by a designer (low cost) if high end.Once everything has been detailed, I send the contractor to home depot to pick up the materials as needed (home depot usually calls for my credit card when the contractor is checking out) and the billing for materials is handled through my home depot card. 

There is the type of property, the debt, the chosen entity structure, and the exit timeline that affects everything.  

Every time I've chosen a poor tenant, I had done so because I was getting antsy to get the property rented out.

Once I have chosen an area to market, how do I do direct mail?

from ones that don't seem to apply to your chosen niche.

Without exception, every one of those laws has denied access to funds and denied home ownership to people who could have enjoyed property ownership if there were a free market.The number of workers in my chosen profession, mortgage brokerage, is down by nearly 80% from its  2007 peak.  

My hand chosen Realtor and I went out to their home and I offered to buy the home as long as they cooperated with the agent I referred them to.

Your work is double in that you need to get a firm grasp on market value and a good idea of rental returns, vacancy, etc for your chosen market.