I was looking at Melborne for something Air BnB (a year ago) I am keeping my eye on Tampa right now for potential commercial properties.... 

I have smelled it in the halls and in the other tenants air vents.

Does anyone have a template or method that they use in order to screen tenants effectively in order to reduce the risk of non payment and damage to the property? 

Poor communicators, poor housekeeping skills, prescription med abuse, big dogs that they couldn't properly care for, damaging, etc.

Once the disaster is over, someone from the lender will verify the structure wasnt damaged and then proceed with the funding. 

.- They often get sold Class C or D properties while using Class A assumptions - then wonder why they are losing money.Here's some copy & paste info that you hopefully find helpful:-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Adding a 1/2 bath, new roof, central air or other typical improvements will increase the value of the property. 

Turns out, the previous owner did take many steps to mitigate the moisture damage and the home was very dry and mold free when we acquired it.

From what I've seen, the days of the $1,000 and $2,500 deductibles for fire, lightening, water damage (not flood), etc. are becoming harder and harder to find. 

You can make minor adjustments based on the type of appliances (dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, air conditioning, etc.) and the size of the rental.