My experience is that people are just really unpredictable so rigorous screening isn't that helpful. When I was just starting out as a landlord, I rented to someone who seemed perfect on paper. Except, as it turns out, he was so perfect that he decided to break his lease three months later so he could buy a house.
The next family I rented to had terrible credit because they'd done a short sale. They were annoying people, but they always paid their rent in time.
Someone above said not to rent to anyone who offers rent a year in advance. I rented to someone who offered me a year's worth of rent in advance because she really wanted the house. (I said the advance wasn't necessary) She's been a good tenant.
That said, your requirements don't seem that rigorous to me, but maybe they are in your area. I usually give renters the option of paying their last month's rent over time so the upfront cost is more manageable (first half is due on Day 15 of month 2 and second 1/2 is due on Day 15 of month 3) do you think that might help?
Oh, I just noticed you're local to me. I have rentals both in Portland and up in Sandy. My requirements for tenants in Sandy are much lower. There, I basically just look for someone who is employed and assume they will have bad credit. I've never had to do an eviction, and all my tenants pay their rent, even during Covid, but it really is just luck, I think.
