Any tips on how to minimize chances of selecting awful tenants?

YIKES, I am not telling you how to manage your funds but please understand the difference between secured and unsecured debt before thinking this strategy is right for you. 

Im in the process of securing a 30 fixed rate FHA loan on a duplex.

There is literally no single good reason to not advance renewable energy - economic, national security, employment or environmental.

Since they made landlords pay interest on security deposits greater than one month's rent, we had to quit doing pet deposits and do a non-refundable pet fee instead.

I inherited all of their security deposit. $850.00.

With 10 years of residency, its likely there will be significant work and little that you can charge against the tenants security deposit. 

And...most of us fit into this group, when we first began as well.So here is my tip for those who need, want it, and glad they have it. ( I wish I could have this posted some place where I wouldn't have to hunt and find it every time someone asks this questions on here, but perhaps the owners of this site might tag it, we will see)So...here it is.THIS IS THE PLAN1.Location, Location, Location .2.

any tips? 

Hello @Gregory Evans,An other strategy I would look into is to use a Master Lease to secure the property.