I have screen shots, emails and receipts where I can prove everything I'm saying.

You need to have standard screening criteria and apply it consistently.

California isn't the only State you can invest :) This investment doesn’t meet “The 1% Rule” if you search BP forums (using the magnifying glass feature, top right of your screen) you’ll get a lot of feedback on if this is a good investment or not.

Also, any general advice on finding a well-qualified renter or screening tenants would be appreciated.

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of your screen, and you can search for other MEMBERS or LOCAL MEETUPS.

Who screens new tenants? 

With proper management in place and proper screening you can be successful in all parts.

I use Buildium and QuickBooks - Buildium for tenant placement, screening, rent collection, etc. and QuickBooks for finances. 

I’d like to start charging for applications, and screening myself, any suggestions of best way to do that?

By the time the customer figures out the local process and who he buddies up to and locates and screens subs etc , there is NO cost savings .