Screening Tenants - Local agents or online services

[Paul Robnett]

Hi, I'm looking for recommendations on screening tenants.

I've had a local guy doing it for years and much preferred him to the online services.
He's no longer around, so I have to reassess the process.

What's your experience or opinion on a local person doing it vs online systems?
In either case, who do you use?

Appreciate your feedback!

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Paul Robnett:

Hire a Property Manager. When they place a Tenant, they have a vested interest in choosing a good one because they will be dealing with that Tenant for the next year. Tenant locator services have no interest because the problem is yours as soon as they get paid.

Don't step over dollars to pick up dimes. Find a good PM that screens well, understands the market and can get you top dollar, knows/obeys the law, etc.