Before you even begin the application process, you should be upfront with questions and as well informed as possible about the property. Know where your potential landlord stands on pets, qualifications for tenants and other possible deal breakers. If you do have any potential red flags, such as lack of current employment, need for a co-signer or having a checkered credit history, mention those things at the beginning. One of the worst things a potential tenant can do is make a property manager go through the whole application process only to find out they have credit problems or they need a co-signer.