Are utilities included, pet deposit?

This will be the first that I dip my toes in the investor pond and I am looking for all of the advice you are willing to give.Also, in your experience, how much can tenants pets really damage the property?

Even though they do good screenings, there are other ways they can turn off a good applicant, like how flexible they are to schedule showings, if they have multiple ways to accept rent payments (one of my PMs only takes money orders in his office, no exceptions; another PM won't accept move in date other than the first day of each month for easy bookkeeping from his end), or if they charge ridiculous non-refundable pet deposit and pet fees, etc. 

I think that would be a reasonable charge, especially since you said the lease stated 'no pets'.

They have given me a non-refundable pet deposit.

Of course....supposedly saves time if those reviewing ads understand your requirements: (for example) no history of evictions, income so many times the amount of rent, a credit score at a certain level, whether pets are allowed, whether you accept those with Section 8 vouchers, etc..  

(Half joking.)Stinky pets can be an issue or not.

I've had TONS of interest - eager prospective applicants asking about putting in a garden, or swingsets for the kids, I've met their dogs 'cuz they were so excited to find a nice house that allows pets . . and on and on and on. 

I replaced all carpet with vinyl flooring so I could market for pets, which I charge a $50/mo fee.

I try to accommodate a tenants schedule but when they put me off, generally due to a pet they do not want to cage, I throw it back in their court.