Don't spend a dime buying anything from anyone.
Call your BATF regional office and ask for the industry operations agent. Ask for the application.
Fill it out to the letter. Write everything down on a tablet first and anything in question, call the BATF for guidance BEFORE filling out the app and submitting it.
Fingerprints: Go to the PD. Chances are they use an electronic Motorola unit. the formatting will be different than what the FBI wants. Don't sweat it. Include a cover letter explaining it when you submit your app and you'll be fine.
HTML:
Photos. Black and white or color are fine. Just your mug shoulders up is fine
.
Be prepared to wait. It takes about 90-120 days typically.
If your dealing/building/manufacturing ensure your chosen location is zoned for it prior to your interview. If renting a shop, have a notorized letter from the land owner granting permission. (you may or may not need this)
If this is so you can get stuff cheap, forget it. The "old days" are over. BATF only issues FFL's to legitimate businesses.
Good luck. Not hard, no voodoo involved. Just good ol fashioned government paperwork.
Chad