Is your PM willing to co-sign for this applicant?
Why would any PM do this?
Checking valid references is never easy in another country.
Request 6 months payment up front.
If they pay 3 month up front..I'd take them.
Is the applicant's family willing to co-sign?
I would not touch these tenants. I certainly would not drop the rent (assuming it is not too high now). I would possibly consider an up front payment, but this sounds like trouble to me.