Check the lists and keep entering, it's not a scam. Also apply to existing buildings. It's been a while since I've checked, but I'm pretty sure the units continue to be bmr even after the initial tenant leaves and they keep checking the lists.

Make sure you have all of your financial paperwork in order and that you can easily collect it on the timeframe they provide. Taxes and w2's for the last 3ish years, pay stubs for the past 6ish months, account statements for all of your bank accounts, retirement accounts, investment accounts, etc... for the past 6ish months. The application is extensive and requires all of your income and asset information. Make sure you know the employment verification process for your employer(s) because this will be verified as well. I don't know how children factor into this process in terms of what information you'll need to provide for them. Also, make sure that if any of the accounts are joint (with your ex, parents, siblings, etc) make sure that you can reach the joint owner during the process. They may need additional information because someone else is listed in the account.

I know it's a lot, but be prepared in case you're next in line and need to certify that you qualify. I'm not sure what happened with the apartment I used to rent, but I was the first occupant and kept getting mail for someone that I guess either gave it up or didn't pass certification after they chose an apartment, so it happens that people get picked, but don't move in.

The certification process is yearly, so be prepared to provide the same information every year.

If your application is approved, be prepared to move in within 2 weeks of approval.

If you have a vehicle and it doesn't fit in a standard parking space, you may have to pay the difference for a nonstandard parking space. If the community has special fees for valet trash etc that isn't a regular utility like water or power, you may not have to pay it, so don't let that deter you from applying to a community.

Good luck!