Help with tenant screening

[Vasudev Kirs]

Prospective tenant is interested in starting application process for my rental unit. They are out of state and their son is attending university and will be the co-signer. This is my very first time renting the unit as I purchased it a couple of months ago.

Though they are requesting application, but being out-of-state is not instilling confidence in me. 

I will be using mysmartmove for application. I did clearly mention the application criteria where I have minimum credit score required.

Am I overthinking? 

Is there anything I can do as a  due diligence to screen them? 

What are some of the criteria that you use to forego previous rental references as it is their son who will be renting?

Are there any sites where I can check their criminal and evictions if any? I think they are from CA.

Thank you!