Tenant Screening

[Jenny Keffer]

Question about screening a tenant. I'm definitely not well versed in this-one property, this will be our 3rd tenant. 

Potential Tenant has clean criminal background, credit not so great (560)

Recently divorced, single mother of 4. 

Her income meets our minimum BUT she works as independent contractor for a family owned business. I asked for copies of pay stubs but she said she doesn't get them because she's a subcontractor. She offered to show bank statements with deposit information to verify amounts and/or discuss with boss about what he can produce to prove income. 

She is moving from another town back here to be near family. She hasn't seen the house in person (only pictures.) She wanted to complete application right away since she wouldn't be in town to see the house until next week.

I need some advice. I see a lot of red flags here. Previous landlord reference is the father of one of her personal references, etc. Just seems like a lot of staging of info to me. 

Any thoughts?