Landloard advice needed. What would you do?

[Ken Cooper]

My Parents are renting out thier former primary residence in Southern Mississippi. Their market is now soft, and they are waiting for it to turn around. Currently, they are choosing from two tennents. One from an agent whom they have used in the past. This tenant would pay $1,050, with a 10% commision to the agent (which will almost cover their note). However, the past two tenants from this agent have not worked out well. One missed enough rent that they had to be evicted, the other caused over $4K in damage to the property. The other potential tenant is a referral from a neighbor. This tenant would only pay $900, but they would be better for the neighborhood and the property, and there would be no commision to an agent.

Thank you in advance for all your help.

Ken Cooper