There is an additional fee to submit your licensing application, sit for the exam, then obtain the required background checks.  

I wasn't successful at getting higher rent, but I did receive more tenant applications and was able to get it rented faster. 

I live in NJ and have Properties in PA and have dealt with the bank my PM uses there and have had no problems ( not 9 units like you ) but i recommend dealing with a small local bank there, your LLC will be tied to that property, you would be working with a local PM and you would be recommended by them, All would help in your application for the loan. - Good Luck

Yes most mortgage applications have an area that you enter in rental incomeYou will typically need 6 months of reserves for every property you own unless it's a commercial loan or equity loan/line

I asked for the rental application from the two failed tenants and he refused to turn it over as well. 

Solving problems is really what most of real estate is about.There are courses on buying tax deed properties, tax liens (where applicable) and a few probate courses.

But also keep in mind that not reporting the 2nd on a mortgage application could come back to bite you in the butt, as it would be mortgage fraud.

I have to register my single family property with the city and get a business license.
I wonder should I put it under my wife's name or mine. Does it make a difference for tax purposes? I currently have a 9-5 and my...

The rule also provides that the unlicensed individual performing the permitted activities listed in this rule must work under the supervision of a broker and his/her compensation must be primarily on a salaried or hourly basis.Under this rule, the duties an unlicensed employee can perform when working with residential rental property are the following: maintenanceclerical or administrative supportcollect or accept rents and/or security deposits which are made payable to the owner or real estate brokerageexhibit or show residential rental units to prospective tenantsfurnish published information regarding the propertysupply applications and leasesreceive applications and leases for submission to the owner or broker for approvalThe rule provides that an unlicensed employee may not perform the following duties: negotiate contracts or leasesdeviate from the rental price and/or other terms and conditions previously established by the owner or broker when providing information to prospective tenantsapprove rental applications or leasessettle or arrange the terms and conditions of a lease on behalf of the owner or brokeroffer inducements to prospective tenants unless they are previously advertised or arranged with the owner or brokerinterpret or provide their opinion concerning the terms or conditions of a leaseindicate to the public that he is in a position of authority which has the ultimate managerial responsibility of the rental propertyIt’s clear that a brokerage employee can perform many clerical and administrative functions without holding a real estate license.

"The credit check is an industry standard decision rating based on the applicant's credit score and public records.