I had a tenant application from somebody with low 5xx credit, whom I declined.

"Patent Pending" simply means the patent office has accepted your patent application.

If this is the medium (which it appears to be) then you will have a large pool of applicants.

Are the tenants that are there criminals that scare away any new applicants?

There are example application that can be found online or I could even e-mail mine to you.The second method that is very helpful is to ask the potential tenant on the spot (after filling out the application) to see their current residence.

Secure Funding & Get proof of funds – Get application or present list of lenders.

Have son complete an application (including background check).

One thing I can tell you from being in the trades is that repairing 3 solid wood doors will not be cheap.My first thought was to take it out of the sec. deposit, but that stems from the fact that I cant charge for anything other than a lock fee in my state, no pet deposits, no application fees ect. ect. to be clear we can charge for repairs due to negligence, but it can be difficult to get paid depending on the class of tenant.  

There was a brand out a few years back that claimed you could tile over tile in wet applications but then backed off those claims.

My lease requires all adult members of the household to be screened no matter when they move in-- if someone has their felon adult child move in a decade later than they moved in, that person must pass my application.