That $75 "application fee before viewing" thing is the oldest scam in the book, real landlords in Phoenix never charge to show a unit, only after you actually apply in person. Before paying anything, look up the property owner on the Maricopa County Assessor site and check if the name matches who you're talking to, since a rando with a gmail address and no paper trail is a red flag every time. Also never pay a fee through Zelle or Cash App, use a card so you can dispute the charge when they ghost you.

Brokers don't always mark up, sometimes they save you money.

My buddy had the same Ozark Trail tent from the Branson Walmart for a float trip down the Buffalo River back in 2019, and it rained sideways for two days straight. He stayed dry the whole time, and the thing cost him like 30 bucks. The zipper finally gave out after maybe 15 trips, but that is a solid run for a tent that costs less than a pizza night. I have noticed the cheaper tents sometimes use thicker poles than the fancy ultralight ones, which might be why yours stood up while the pricey one folded. Sometimes you just get lucky with a simple design that does not have fancy parts to break.