I don't want to collect any money from the tenant for the application since its a mess with returning it to them if we don't accept them.  

Used google voice last campaign and was not impressed.

http://nypost.com/2015/07/18/obama-has-been-collecting-personal-data-for-a-secret-race-database/

I also interviewed with a well known brokerage, but I got the impression that the  team leader I interviewed with was mostly interested that i would cap out on  my commissions and  I think she would have accepted anyone with no brains and a pulse.

I'm not sure if every collection attorney is as well organized as Linebarger law firm when it comes to maintaining those records.

., that dealt with all these rich people in Hollywood accused of homicide.I love how he scratched his head, using his hands, and using phrases likeoh, by the way…Can you explain that a little bit better for me because I don’t quite get that…I know that probably makes you sound stupid, but it allows the sellers to be disarmed.If you said something like,“You know Mr. seller the good thing is that if you rent this place out you will enjoy working with your tenants collecting the rents and all that, right?”

I am looking to get a multi-family unit that I could live out of and collect rent from so that I can truly start learning the ropes and what having a property with tenants truly entails.

This is where modification strategies come into play, that's why your collection skills and negotiation skills are crucial to your return.

A good property management company will have solid systems in place for rent collection, and accounting (and everything else).

Or, you could just collect the commission yourself.