Should I be hesitant about this applicant?

[Justin Youngblood]

BP,

I'm currently screening tenants on my first investment property using TurboTenant. Everything has run smooth and I've had a ton of interest but of course after sending our minimum qualification standards only a couple people have applied. One couple in particular I feel really good about but I have a weird feeling so I need some help. This couple is about to relocate to capitalize on our low cost of living. The wife is currently employed making more than 3x the monthly rent but she has not yet secured a job here in our state. The husband is a disabled veteran. They have provided proof of income, proof of disability, drivers license's, 401k statements, etc and so far EVERYTHING has checked out. The only thing is they want to move in without seeing the unit prior. They are comfortable signing a year lease and they also have offered to pay for 3 months rent up front. So far they seem like the perfect tenants but I am very skeptical about moving forward and them signing a lease without having seen the unit and without having met them in person. Thoughts or feedback from past experiences in these situations?

[Nathan Gesner]

Moving from another state is not a "big red flag" like others are implying. It's very common for people to move states and try to procure housing before arrival. 

Your screening should include a way to verify their identity, current employer, current residence, etc. If done properly, your screening will weed out anyone attempting to commit fraud.

I use a "sight unseen" clause to prevent problems:

If they show up and decide they don't like it, they can terminate the lease and pay the penalty.