He collected first/last/security payments prior to move in date and was never heard from again.

That is not a benefit for you, nor any kind of evidence that they are worthy of becoming a resident.That issue aside, I would not allow someone with a recent eviction on my property unless the "unfortunate circumstance" was unlikely to recur AND they otherwise have a strong historical track record of making payments AND they would put down a very large security deposit.

Their most common threat is a security deposit dispute.

Being new to this process, it seems a regular referral form won't work.

I have a special fondness for I-found-a-pile-of-gold-in-a-crapshack-basement-help-me-invest posts.I've been a regular contributor for years.

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He regularly shows recent deals & breaks them down.

Screening tenants well and then a security deposit or credit card hold process in place will limit liability.

I'm absolutely not interested in leasing fast at all and I'm extremely picky about tenants and I do things like require a large security deposit (even for section 8 renters, I have three of them and love them), don't supply appliances, take my time doing background checks and arranging multiple calls/meetings with potential tenants. 

They have unsecured creditors of over 5 million dollars and secured creditors as either loans on properties and/or owners of properties.