Newbie Landlord: Rental application vs Credit check

[Jehan Jaleel]

Hi,  I am first time landlord trying to rent out my house . Once I find the right tenant, I want to do my due diligence with a proper background check to make sure they pay the rent on time (so I can keep my mortgage payments) and take care of my house.  Any advice you can give for a newbie like me?

One specific question, I do have is regarding the Rental application. I found some word docs online and this site also gave me one. But I am also using some online software for credit checks, like Transuion smartmove, so should I have them fill out the rental application and do the online Transaunion? 

Also for the application, is it better to send them a soft copy via email or a hard copy during the showing?

Thanks.