We (the sellers) are SUPER busy with buying our other home and packing and don't have time to let them come in for the FIFTH time after they signed the PA.

Big complexes/companies won't tell you anything over the phone so I usually just drive to the complex with a form and the signed authorization to get rental information and the PM will just fill it out for me. 

The more experienced groups will list a property and direct you back to their website with some sort of form to sign up on their list. 

Are you getting a signed contract for your deal/involving an attorney or just using some “legal-zoom” type resource to draft the terms?

My realtor just told me of a 4 bdrm townhome that is worth ~375K and renting for $1900 with three applicants on day one, and one of them offered a $3000 signing bonus.

I live in North Dakota so everything (showings, communication, document signings) has been accomplished electronically.

At closing you literally sign a paper that states you will live there for a year.If you're looking to flip, I would think that these type of loans wouldn't really be good for you anyway..

Teaches us to be more selective with non essential purchases. 

Once it is signed let them know that failure to pay will result in a garnishment of their wages.3.

You can't sign an option to buy contract with her as long there is a previous lien on the property still in place (the bank).