Applicants can literally to on-line and buy fake paystubs and an employer verification, just like you can an emotional support animal certification, and they do.  

Again, I hope this can be resolved amicably to save $ and headache but these situations get tricky when emotions are involved.Happy to share recommendations if needed.

That way if there is another offer you won't get caught up in the emotions should there be a bidding war. 

The logical answer is terminate the lease and the emotional answer is to let them stay.  

I recently rehabbed a property, signed a 2 yr lease with someone, then about a week before she’s supposed to move in, she informs me that she has an ESA (Emotional Support Animal), a huge dog - lab mix.

Got emotional when they said there were other offers higher than mine.

You really have to not allow emotion be part of the equation when dealing with certain types of tenants.

I recognize emotion and fear when I'm in the process.

Don't let emotions get involved.

That may be true, but having an emotional attachment to an investment doesn't mean you are best suited for managing it.