I don't want people to waste their time & apply if they don't fit the bill above. 2) After I get applicants, how do I shortlist the top ones & send them the link to do get their credit & background checked through Cozy (I know the technical aspect of how to actually do this, but I'm asking for about the shortlist process). 

Our second park was a turnaround project that we purchased at a bargain cap rate but where we were going to need to replace all the water and sewer lines in order for the city to agree to let us get all the tenants on direct bill with the city (initially it was one master meter paid for by us, about $5-$6,000 per month, crazy leaks, terrible).

If they have more people than agreed - you send them a bill or you ask them to leave without a refund, if that's what your rental agreement says (and mine does).

Do you want your tax bills, etc to go to the management company too?

Bill

@Bill Brandt $20K non-refundable is pretty ballsy, but definitely puts "money where mouth is".  

In these two flavors, one looks like "I'm trying to help my son buy a house for them to live in, and it's their house, and I'll cover the bill if something really really bad happens" vs.

My mortgage company didn't call to see if I could cover the bills. 3.

What worked for me as to building credit is to have a secured line of credit, have a parent or guardian apply for a credit card under your name and have them co-sign, they can pay the phone bill with it and pay off the credit card every month and you'll eventually have a high enough credit score where you can apply for an unsecured personal loan and pay the minimum payments every month.

If you are looking at properties on Redfin, click on the "public facts" tab and you will see the most recent tax bill and assessment.