I've found application fees substantially above cost (such as @John Thedford's $ 75 per applicant) for anything other than high end properties can be a major turnoff for prospective tenants.
In turn, that is the hardest part of the job for those offering the advice: Breaking it to sellers that their taste in decor and the lovingly acquired pieces and, well, clutter in their homes could be a huge turnoff to a prospective home buyer.