It's good you're looking for this info as it's vital to know your local/state laws so you can stay out of hot water.

What you can do is add the 2nd applicant as a tenant to the lease and although they are not financially strong it will add an extra layer of security as the likely-hood of a default decreases as they will both be named in an eviction and recorded against both; additionally the 2nd applicant is now 'wrapped' up in your lease and all restrictions apply. 

And will the laminate layer be prone to scratching over time when the windows are cleaned?

Those vital relationships with the municipalities are so critical to maintain.

Home Warranty is often slow as they have approval layers and sometimes parts depots that ship the parts.

A conversation seems vital here.

There are tons of threads on BP that have lots of vendors and ideas on tenant screening, but I would implement as many layers of screens as you can. 

Putting on a new layer of shingles could be considered a repair rather than an improvement.The basic idea of improvements is that it adds to the life of the building.

(I'm not considering this the actual official inspection, just another layer of due diligence).I've received 2016 P&L from current PM.

I am an investor with my license and I cannot begin to express how much it is vital to real estate.