HiSarah Dumm,
Im in the Navy and I have 2 houses in San Diego rented to Navy. I always have trouble meeting the 3x the rent rule, I think in other states that is a great standard but Californias are willing to pay a larger percentage of their income for housing. 3x $900 is a good rule 3x $2600 for a 3 bed in Clairemont is difficult.
The pros of military tenants: I agree with Chris that if you have the right work info their Commanding Officer can easily garnish wages if they become delinquent. Also Financial issues can adversely affect their careers. Their pay and job is fairly secure and only increase. They're likely to be pleasant, honest and respectful. Their not con artist, sue happy or professional tenants.
The cons: By law they can get out of lease agreement due to new orders or even a deployment. They're likely to transfer out of the area every 3 or 4 years. Ask for a copy of there orders, sometimes they come home from deployment need a place to live, sign a 1 year lease then 2 months later send you orders showing there transfer out of the area. If you have a house be careful renting to 3 or 4 junior (E-5 and below) personnel, if there like me when I was young your house will soon become a mini Frat house. Don't mistake income for maturity, I rented to a dual military both E-4's (it matters) with the crazy housing allowance their combine income was six figures. They we 20 and 21 and I was reminded of that weekly feeling like a father/ landlord.
So there was more cons then pros here but I think the Pros outweigh the cons and I always rent to military. Just yourself a favor and get a copy of their orders and make sure they don't rotate within the year.
