Multifamily tenant screening - how can I do better?

[Kazi R.]

I bought 2 quadruplexes over the last 12 months - my first venture into small multifamily properties. These are C/C+ properties in B- area. Units rent for around $700/month. I haven't dealt with vacancies until now as one of my tenants moved out recently. And now I am finding out how much more difficult it is to find a qualified tenant for my multi than it is for my single family properties! Because these properties are located in a popular area, there has been no lack of interest! As a matter of fact, my phone has been ringing off the hook! I have been getting 4 to 5 applications on average every weekend (only can do showing on the weekends) from people who swear by the fact that they meet my minimum criteria. It has been few weeks, and I haven't been able to approve a single application! Very frustrating! Lying on the application, especially about rental history, is rampant! I also have had forged pay stubs, false employment claims etc. This has not been my experience with single family rentals which tend to attract higher income people as rents are higher. BTW, the existing tenants have been pretty good about paying rent on time though - no complaints about that! Any advice for me on how to do a better job with this screening process?