Choosing between higher income or better credit applicants

[David Barwick]

I’ve been showing and taking applications for my first rental property. The applicants all seem to fall into one of two categories:

1. better than 3x income but credit problems ranging from missing some payments for some, all the way to bankruptcy or eviction for others. 

2. right at 3x income between spouses’ combined income, good credit history. 

I’m leaning toward choosing someone from category 2, but I’m curious what others with more experience would advise.