If they are under a fixed term, you just have to wait and observe.

She may be observant.

Which I do like your observation and the decision to do so.

There are others on this platform who have also observed Zillow's screening is subpar.

Point #3These are observations from my dealings with small local banks.

For us, the best practice is to drive by and observe the exterior often (monthly is good, weekly is better), inspect the exterior in the spring and autumn, inspect the interior regularly (semi-annually is good, quarterly is better), and deal with maintenance needs and damages as we find them.

Learn and observe as much as you can about her and her pets before the 30-60 day mark and then decide if you want to have an vacate rental that will need rehab going into slow season or if she’s a decent enough tenant to renew her up to spring and at that point you can non renew if need be and have the unit ready for next summer.

Observe, take notes, and be prepared to handle it on your own next time.

That's not to say their are not plenty of small single location mom and pop operators, but, from my observation, the most desirable tenants are larger regional, national or international multi location corporations.

After I observe a few auctions and learn from the guys who are doing it, I definitely want to try picking up at least one property this way.