Also verify everything on the application.

Do not call the number on the application.

I do see some of the advantages of this strategy but originally I was fine with my tenants knowing that I'm the landlord because I'm confident that I can and will screen and vet the applicants well.What do you guys think of this strategy?

Part of this is a strategy to have a larger pool of applicants, low vacancy rates, and tenants that don't call about petty things (replacing light bulbs). 

I am usually never at home so i gotta type everything on the phone, otherwise i would more easily be able to get into more detail.now the amount we pay the manager is not very much at all, but that is ok because the manager gets a huge perk: they get to live in the manager's quarters which pretty much all motels in the united states have. the managers quarters is connected to the front office and consists of a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment with an adequate spacious kitchen and spacious living room. an older couple who is retired, about to collect social security checks possibly, and has a minimal and quiet social life is most desired for this position. they get to live rent-free and utilities-free, and i get a manager for minimal expense. its a win win situation and i often become good friends with them. most managers only stick around for 1-2 years, but some are willing to basically stay for decades even.the motel business is a seasonal business, but not an extreme one. typically around march-may, business slows down an observable amount, and after that it picks right back up to 90-100% occupancy on every night. several nights a year, we have to turn away guests at nighttime because we have no rooms left to sell.the budget motel is a peculiar business, but then again its really not. your average person might struggle to understand how this business requires a decent amount of hard work, yet is simultaneously one of the most laidback businesses you can get into.we remain super competitive, to the point where its not even competitive anymore for us. the reason why is because i have placed a 40 inch tv in every room, along with a full sized refrigerator and a real kitchenette. for $190 total per week and free housekeeping and wifi, who wouldnt want to stay there vs. renting at an apartment that requires all sorts of documentation and an application fee?

@Robert Gunby, if you are referring to the EB-5 visa (immigrant investor) program, there are a few key parameters which need to be satisfied, namely $1mil or $500K (in designated areas) AND employment requirements.You can get more info at https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/perman...

online application?

In this case, the applicant must still pay the appropriate license fee and subsequent renewal fees as they are due.

I assume your duplex was built before they widespread application of construction adhesive, so most likly you wont have to go down all the way. 

If it was you by chance and you used a credit card (visa signature for example) you'd probably be able to get replacement/partial cost recovery. here's some more infohttps://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/credit-card-benefits/purchase-protection-credit-cards-cover-belongings/