Tenant Screening Advice

[Karie Blalock]

What are things that you wished you had found out about prospective tenants, before approving them? Things that probably would have made you not consider them?

In the next 6 months or so my roommate will be moving out and I've decided to live in my brothers furnished basement, and rent out my condo. This will be the first that I dip my toes in the investor pond and I am looking for all of the advice you are willing to give.
Also, in your experience, how much can tenants pets really damage the property? I love animals myself and would like to offer a place that accepts them, but if repairs get too pricey I'll reconsider.