From what I understand, we are covered for, what the insurance agent calls "vandalism and criminal mischief" from a tenant, with a 1000 dollar deductible.However, if the tenant steals anything, like the fridge or a/c, we have no recourse on the part of insurance coverage.Is it recommended to use the insurance or to just pay out of pocket?

Notice the family members give the usual refrain that the criminal was such a nice boy and wouldn't do anything like this!!!

We do a criminal background screen by permission prior to move-in, and even now, cannot solely deny an applicant who has a felony over 7 years old (new law).  

I'm about 90% sure this should be foolproof for youStep 1: Get a real estate license (should take a couple of months to 3 months) in your countyStep 2: Get into a real estate agency (extremely easy as the requirements are laughable, unless you have a ridiculous criminal history like being convicted for drug trafficking. you wouldnt be here if you did so ill assume you didnt)Step 3: Look for great undervalued cash flow properties or rehab flips (THIS IS THE HARDEST STEP), and then purchase one, either with a friend or trustworthy business partner.

The HD Pro program will provide you with several contractors that HD has performed a background-criminal check, verified that they have proper license and insurance.

simple criminal intent and activity.. real estate is now the new Nigerian prince scam .... in everything from fake landlords to fake lenders.and facebook is horrid I would never ever in a thousand years do business on facebook ( in the real estate space) simply would not trust anyone who posted on facebook.. to me its bush league at best and at worst is full of criminals looking to scam people.

Apparently the guy from wolf of Wall Street who scammed people out of millions and once convicted was order to pay some 140M in restitution still hasn’t some 15 years later.Point is people who lost money with Morris because they can’t sell or were just flat out scammed will likely never get it back.If we’re lucky he goes to prison if what he did is criminally wrong not civil.

All all I got to say is don't skimp in trying to find the cheapest contractor or the cheapest property manager.Also find one that will agree to start the eviction process the first time rent is past due more than 5 days.This sends a message that you are not going to put up with late rent and generally will only need to happen one time to get your point across.Florida is a transient state so it's fairly easy to get deadbeat renters out of your property.However if you prequalify your potential renters the right way you can avoid bad situations.Have the Property Management Company take a look inside the potential renter's car when they arrive to see the property, if it's a pigsty and they smoke (even if they say they will smoke outside), and most especially if they're also a Credit Criminal do not rent to them.But, do not turn away people who have recently gone through bankruptcy or a foreclosure or short sale who are trying to reestablish, because they can be some of the best longer-term renters out there right now.

@Alyssa Paros Clearly layout all of your pre-screening requirements, inform them of the fee you charge per application, and what the background check includes (credit, criminal, eviction check, income verification, etc..).

A lockbox in one neighborhood can go untouched for months while in another neighborhood criminals are brazen enough to do their work in plain view at the front door