Howdy Jade...I'm next door to you in Augusta.We've filled rentals for our SFH's in October/November but come December applicants tend to focus on the holidays and, often, in January they're too broke FROM the holidays to consider moving.  

I've seen masking tape pull the finish off after painters were done etc. can't go wrong with Mohawk, Shaw, etc.

And that seems to change how a lender looks at your application?

Once they apply, we get a PDF and get all our answers.. having someone pay to apply weeds out any non-serious applicants.     

Chances are you won't have two tenant applications that are identical income or credit score.

I did have to spend about 10 hours checking references as it took applications to find suitable candidates.I will have no break in tenancy.  

Nothing like the perfect applicant that needs to wait 4 months and has 3 animals. 

I'd say 30 days.....but of course depends on what rent you want, what time of year, where the property is, what price range and so many factors.Typically I say Summer rents better than Winter, especially in great school districts.If you're above probably $3000/month in rent might take 60-90 days and maybe longer depending on how far up the price scale you go....Probably $1500/month and less in metroplex, might be a week or two.Homes that allow pets seem to rent faster than those that don't....so could depend on where you are there.Seems like the last few I've rented went pretty fast if the condition was good and the rent was right....people wanting to apply and move in a few days.Some post said try Z....and I would say just the opposite....typically I get the worst applications from there, but maybe it depends on how picky you want to be.So typically your first payment is about 1month after you close. 

I would love to do this in Philadelphia, but I am wondering if this is just too much red tape.

I usually have to run it for several applications to finally get the stink out so it’s all good in the hood