If they're only willing to pay by check, it could be a red flag in my opinion. 

Do you go to conferences, yes, but when I see their ads for their courses, books etc. to me that is a HUGE red flag.

She would have money for Aug rent, if not red flags because what was she going to do if she stayed.Her leaving on the 20th means you have some time to go in and clean it up (probably not much to do as she was there for 4 months) and maybe get it rented by Aug 15.

That being said, here’s which zip codes are better than others:1.28607 (Boone) 2.28605 (Blowing Rock) 3.28679 (Sugar Grove) 4.28618 (Deep Gap) 5.28692 (Vilas) 6.28698 (Zionville)Also, a map of neighborhoods within Boone City ranked:Waldport is ranked above the national average, however it is slightly below average compared to the rest of Lincoln County zip codes.

There are facebook groups just for RAL Managers, so get in contact with some of the members and see if the person has any red flags.

Then they "left the key" for the renters under a rock next to the house.

But with all the red tape, why would you want to?

"High demand area" and "off market deal" are red flags for newbies!

Insurance red flags.  

Unfortunately, you ignored multiple red flags during the vetting process and now you're paying a price.