When do you ask for background/credit check for applicants?

[Torrey McGraw]

At what point in the application process do you ask an applicant to submit a background and/or credit check? Is it in conjunction with the rental application? Or is it after you've reviewed the application, checked references, etc? Thanks in advance.

[Spence Rodman]

We always check references first. I try not to make anyone layout any money until I know for sure that I have no red flags otherwise that indicate that I would not accept them as a tenant. For me making a few phone calls to verify references is not that time consuming, but I can see how it could be if my portfolio continues to expand.