@Jim LynchSome typical minimum tenant screening requirements look like the following, but it depends on your market:-Renter has a gross monthly income of 3x more than the monthly rent-Minimum credit score of 650-Renter must have no prior evictions-No felons (or other notable criminal history)There are a number of different tenant screening softwares out there such as Zillow Rental Manager, TransUnion SmartMove, etc.Be sure to complete an employment verification by contacting the renter's employer and confirm the details they shared with you, landlord verification (if they have a previous landlord), credit check, and background check.

@Makani Donaldson it all depends on your investment goals.If you buy a Class A rental, it'll usually have negative cashflow, which will be hopefully offset with appreciation and better tenants.If you buy a CLass C or D rental, it should have pretty good cashflow because you may not realize much in appreciation and you'll have a lot more problems finding good tenants.

The question is mostly a personal financial planning question and it depends on your preference and what balance of risk and access you'd like and would be comfortable with.

Everyone's favorite answer in real estate---"it depends".That being said, you have to start somewhere to figure that out.

Depends on the area.

This will all depend on how good of negotiator you are. 

@Hector Lewis - The decision ultimately depends on your current cash reserves relative to your financial needs, as well as your willingness to reinvest for potential appreciation.

It depends on what municipality you are in here in the Tampa area.

I'm still new to real estate investing but I'm open to feedback  @Jade FrankIt really depends on your long-term goals.

It can get pretty expensive what would anyone suggest or should I write the lease so that the next tenant depending on time of year should I do not include a specific utility and adjust my rent because of it ?