Many applicants will offer to rent for a longer term hoping you'll reduce the rent or maybe you won't screen them as well.

Why would they expend the effort of getting one and having applicant sign all necessary docs if they aren't getting paid?

From our website:Vacant Rental MarketingWe publish rental properties on 20+ websites, track all inquiries, showings and applications, so we can provide you with feedback via bi-weekly Property Marketing Reports.Here’s some of what our Marketing Department does:Marketing Pics are edited, so your property looks its best:Pics have our Watermark, to avoid crooks copying them and creating fake ads that may result in our ad being dropped from a website.Advertising is published on 20+ websites :We no longer use “For Rent” signs, they statistically attract lower quality prospects and increase the likelihood your property will have a break-in and theft.We track Web Views and Inquiries, analyzing the numbers to identify problems and trends.Showings are exclusively scheduled via our online scheduling software:Prospects can self-schedule at their convenience, 24/7/365, which increases showings.Prospects receive multiple automated communications after a showing, encouraging them to apply and give feedback.We track Scheduled Showings versus Completed Showings to identify potential problems.Our bi-weekly Property Marketing Reports show you Period & Total amounts for the following:Web ViewsInquiriesShowings ScheduledCompleted ShowingsApplicationsWe analyze this data to provide you feedback about what the numbers mean we should do to get your property rented faster.

I just realized after trying the crappy driving for dollars app on the play store, that Google has a Timeline feature.If you have your map open and press Go, it will track where you went and you can go back and look it up later.While driving, you can click on the houses you find and "Save" them to a "List" you create which will show the street view and you can even add you own current photos.Who knew?

We usually get tons of interest bc the units are affordable class less than 800 per month, but a lot of the applicants have issues qualifying due to credit or criminal history or issues submitting all the necessary paperwork.

No saving or storing anything is required on the part of the landlord. 

Common uses include receiving/processing applications, tracking rental units, leases, tenant contacts, payment history, accepting online payments, maintaining documentation, and tracking maintenance.

I don't see any other applicable place for it.  

Raising rent to $950 and have 4 applications in 2 hours from just a placing a Craigslist ad with no pictures.

Get your furniture from thrift stores in nice neighborhoods (good quality, medium price) so you don't care when it needs replacing.It's totally fine to move the booking off Airbnb and book a guest directly (just don't double book yourself).