MTR starter seeking advice

[Summer Chen]

Hi All,

I'm freshly starting my MTR and will mainly focus on leads from FF. I have quite some questions that need your help:

For tenant screening, I plan to do the routine background (eviction, criminal) screening and credit check. Should I also call the tenant's previous landlords x 3 to ensure positive rental history?

For income verification, I plan to obtain a copy of the employment contract. Should I call the recruiter/employer to verify employment? Is it necessary to request recent 3-month paystub, bank statement, or last year's w2 form?

When the property is rent to a group of 3 traveling nurses, should each of them individually fill out the complete rental application form? Should I charge each nurse the application fee? One lease will be signed by all three together. I plan to use baselane to do online screening and am not sure how it works yet.

Regarding pet allowance, do people usually request to leave the pets in the front or back yard? or actually allow pets to run inside the house? When a applicant has a service dog or ESA-certified animal, is this considered a red flag? 

For monthly rent payment, do you usually have it due by the first day of each month or pay in advance like one week ahead of time?

Is it feasible to ask the tenant to move the trash can to the curbside for weekly trash pickup when the property is rented as an entire unit?

How many pages is a typical MTR lease? I have been editing it based on a state-specific lease template which contains 15 pages. I'm wondering if it is too long.

Any input is greatly appreciated!