For background check I am just making sure they have no criminal past and have no evictions.

Most often, the Division issues Cease and Desist Orders in these cases, but if offenders continue to engage in the unlicensed conduct, the Division may ask the appropriate local prosecutor to consider initiating criminal action.

There is a fine line between a mistake and a criminal act in being a landlord.  

(no offense to people with the name Linda).

My broker to be said no cold calls because he doesn't want the liability of $11k per offense.

@Sue Deng  please take no offense.. however If you do not even understand this basic question.. and folks in foreclosure are under EXTREME duress and stress how is someone like you remotely going to help them.. other than for your own self serving gratification.to come on BP and ask this question just floors me personally.. the blind leading the desperate and this usually leads to those your trying to rip equity form to end up just losing their house. 

After they are qualified (credit/criminal/reference), I explain that they will give me post dated checks for EVERY month of their lease.  

Account Closed  because they have a criminal bent.. watch american greed

If there was a criminal prosecution, it may have settled out and he may be serving a sentence.

A newly licensed person has already been vetted for criminal history, etc.