What to look for in tenants and what to avoid?

[Account Closed]

Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum and would like to pick some of your brains about choosing tenants. What do you look out for when choosing? I have had 2 tenants with 620-625 credit scores apply recently. Would this seem too low? Is it a red flag? Also, when looking into their work situation what is the best income to rent ratio I should be looking for? Any other helpful tips or hints would be great. Thanks all. 

[John Warren]

@Account Closed I have had multiple tenants with 620 credit scores who have been stellar tenants. I have used the BP guidelines of minimum credit of 600, 3X the rent in income and no evictions. When I have strayed from these guidelines is when I have gotten into trouble. 

As you grow as a land lord, your system will start to look for more intangibles. I look for tenants now who are compliant, tech savvy, respectful, and generally nice people. I am still self managing 27 apartments here in the Chicago area, so it is fairly important to not have people who suck up a lot of your time!