Landlord shot and killed, set on fire while collecting rent...

[Michael Hassell]

Came across my BP FB page today

http://news10.com/2016/06/03/landlord-shot-killed-...

So what do you folks do to combat this sort of thing and protect yourself?

Being in Florida I have my concealed weapons permit and carry often, certainly when dealing with tenants.  but that's really just a tool of absolute last resort.  I feel these sort of things can be avoided.  For one I stay out of the worst neighborhoods as they will inevitably attract bad tenants.  I screen folks on the phone first and try to screen thoroughly before renting.  I trust my gut, if it feels bad don't do it. Some red flags include any sort of discount from my asking price, security deposit, or first/last month....I don't mind them asking, I mind them pestering or trying to badger me into it (I would ALWAYS ask for a discount too).  I have had occasions where I asked someone to go with me if I thought there might be any trouble, I'm blessed with a really great brother in law who is a cop, he's a good guy to have in a tight spot.  Finally, most of the local police/sheriff's deputies have no problem coming to "stand by" if you explain a potentially bad situation...of course, they are dependent on call volume and might not work on your schedule...and you have to have some idea the tenant isn't reliable or you might never think to call.

What else?  What do you do to keep your activities safe?