Well, sure enough, I got a prank call. 

You could prank newbies by fine-tuning this a bit and posting it response to their questions.  

You can actually screen out a lot of callers just from the voicemails. 

During your conversation you ask if the caller has any children.  

Caller: Yes.

From our ad in the local paper we received two calls and the second caller passed the phone screening. 

I tried to find renters through the university (grad students), but I did learn how to deal with Craigslist callers and to pre-screen them so I didn't end up showing to a bunch of people that wouldn't be qualified.Plus, wherever you get your tenants, it's up to you to screen them.If your tenant pool uses Zillow, though, that's the way to go, for sure.Interestingly enough, I would get calls from people who saw ads on Zillow about the units I was renting - and I'd never put them there lol.  

Non smoker, no pets, no section 8. 3) I let callers know from the beginning there will be an application at the walk through; this app is for a background check and there is a $20 fee.

You definitely get improved response and more built in trust from callers when they have seen your name 5-10 times versus a one off mailing.2.

It also tells you personal details to help you build rapport with that caller, and property details so you sound professional and prepared.