So accepting and approving multiple applicants is the norm?

The only example I can think of is that I asked an applicant questions about their credit report.

All things being equal, I would accept these applicants, but I would require them to pay a deposit equal to two months of rent.

Are you not necessarily denying him based on screening criteria - Some landlords make it a requirement to view the property prior to letting the applicant apply.

My application includes an acknowledgment that everything is true and complete.

Navigating the Surge in Rental Application Fraud: A Guide for Landlords and Property ManagersIn recent years, the rental market has experienced a troubling rise in application fraud.

Here's a detailed guide on how to screen applicants: Application Screening Guide 

Piling on...all occupants who are 18 or older (or legal emancipated minor) should absolutely be required to make application. 

You can go as low as 2.5x in some cases but NJ tends to produce enough traffic/applicants where 3x should be minimum unless property is over priced.

Hi Devin, Have you ever considered that instead of America needing smaller homes that are more affordable, that America needs more higher paying jobs so that people can live the actual American dream versus having to settle for less and less and less (Has George Carlin pointed out in his classic speech about this).