Screening tenants that text

[Jestin Sorenson]

So I read Brandon Turners book on Landlording and thought it was really good. He has a phone questionnaire in a list of documents you get with the book, but some of the people that reach out only text. The questionnaire is supposed to give you a feel for how the tenants will be before you show the place. That screens some of the people that most likely wouldn't qualify and saves time by not having to show the place. I work a full time job.

How can I screen someone if they're only texting? Does anyone have other ideas to screen before showing the property? I've pushed people to call me, but I don't want to miss out on potential tenants and some haven't responded.

Also, I think I could be putting my potential tenants through so many hoops, that it may be a turn off for them. This is my first experience as a landlord and I hope I'm going about it the right way. I have a really nice place in a C area of town. Prob too nice compared to the neighborhood. Neighbor is section 8. I gotten a few section 8 requests, but I think my place is too nice.