How do you qualify contractors?

[Craig Stephens]

Hi,  I have a contractor / self employed that I'm having difficulty knowing how to qualify.  I've run a credit check (823) and the background check hasn't come back yet after a day.  I've asked for the tax return to verify -- he doesn't have it done yet.  I've asked for bank statements -- haven't gotten that yet.  He's provided personal references -- my understanding is that those aren't that reliable (easy to spoof).   What do you guys do for qualifying self employed?  And especially validating ability to pay rent.  I like to use 2.5 to 3 times the rent number for net income to rent number.