So far I've done comps, still working on land comps and saw one phone call conducted by my boss.

Any advice on what to look for when conducting market research to see what area are the best to find the investment proprieties?

If their renewal is long way off, you could do a spot inspection and if you find anything in disarray or that goes against the lease they signed you can order them to rectify and say random spot inspections will be conducted [with a 24 hour notice, of course]. 

I will make sure I conduct intensive screening for responsible pet owners.

I have the following clauses in my lease:Indemnification of Owner’s Agent: Resident(s) [agree/agrees] to indemnify Owner’s Agent for any liability arising before termination of this Agreement for personal injuries or property damage caused by the negligent, willful, or intentional conduct of Resident(s), [and/or] [his/her/their] guests or invitees.

I have also asked the owner to pay for said background checks as she did not conduct any and actually inherited these tenants herself.

What about their conduct?

Conduct additional research on the strategy as well.* Always be Honest, Reasonable, and Fair.

Did you conduct a title search?

Read here: How to Effectively Conduct Joint Venture Agreements as a Real Estate Investor and here: Taking-on-partner-s-and-limiting-our-liabilites2.