We are doing our own research, but hoping to get some input from local investors/realtors in Cape Coral to verify if this information is accurate. 

We screen first, telling tenants that we don't accept smokers, we want a 670 credit score or more, that we want them to bring verifiable gross monthly income at least 3x the monthly rental to any showing we set up, etc.

You should learn how to verify ownership of a property and find their contact information another way to ensure you are contacting the right person for a reference.

@J Case why are you jumping to conclusions without verifying?

Hey Donna,Verify bed/bath count and square footage with the other rental listings that appear, but the median rent should provide a rough estimate of rent per unit.

Are they police reports that will verify drug activity?

We always consider gig employment so long as it meets our qualification of 3x the amount of rent and verifiable income for 1 year. 

I am firm on verifiable income is 3x rent!

Just apply a few it has no cost to apply and see what get approved on you will be surprised they often do not even verify income fully.

Verifying last 2 years of rental history very important!