I’m active duty Air Force with four properties, three are VA loans.

A year later I found out they were scammers, who did $15,000 damage to another landlords property.

I think I would therefore, not allow a tenant to sign a lease more than 1 month before the move-in date - that way the security deposit can be used for damages if I lose any rent after the move-in date while I am trying to find a new tenant; and the security deposit only covers 1 month.

STRs also involve more risk in regards to property damage, increased wear and tear, etc.  

I would think a rabbit does less damage than a cat or small dog. 

Thanks They're my go to for any smoke damage (fire, cig, pot).

I understand that the majority of the risk in Section 8 is from tenants damaging the property, therefore depreciating the asset over time and leading to high maintenance costs.

@Chris RobertsLet's air this out... a mortgage not being reported on your credit does NOT give you a pass for conventional/agency financing. 

Encouraging your tenant to consider vaping could not only help maintain the apartment’s air quality but also align with your lease agreement better.

This public exposure to the commission process may be the most damaging aspect and may dwarf these verdicts longer term.