If people are thieves, that's one thing. 

But the thieves did take a TV, coffee and end tables and 2 suitcases with my clothes. 

Mostly its a squatter issue, drug users & thieves to steal pipes whatever left over merchandise they can find.

I don't like thieves whether they carry a gun or a brief case.So, there is much more to lending or extending credit, whether you made the loan or you buy it than just cash flow.

What do you guys do to keep the thieves out?

She mentioned that thieves will not steal copper pipes that have been painted.

I would only work with a tenant who had a good track record, in a property that was difficult to fill, as opposed to having it become a vacant target for pipe thieves (been there, done that).

Ever read Too Big To Fail, http://www.amazon.com/Too-Big-Fail-Washington-FinancialSystem/dp/0143118242 The real thieves are the MBA, Mortgage Bankers Assoc, allowing liar loans to be created, not overseeing mortgage brokers, The Senate Banking Committee not policing the MBA's policies and training, and not allowing felons to talk home borrowers about mortgage origination.

Some more winners12) Insurers-decreased chance of an empty house being broken into by copper thieves or other vacancy issues.13) Building supply stores- Will sell additional materials to the end buyers who are improving their home.14) Private mortgage insurers (if there was one involved) will not have to pay off on a foreclosed property.

What are some ways to weed out the scammers and thieves?