When we had property in another state we used a property manager to screen tenants (and she actually did a poor job at it since our last tenants left our rental so filthy, we needed three cleaning companies to get it good enough to sell)  We have a lot of set parameters that we indicate in writing to prospective tenants. 

If the prospective tenant still insists on being cagey about it, I call shenanigans and would move on.

I got it all cleaned up (special crime scene clean up is expensive thank God for insurance) and was terrified it would not rent and that the neighbors would run off any prospective tenants with the story.

I don't want to deter you from your dreams and goals but why don't you invest the money you have in your online company and make that grow and more profitable?

They are your most logical prospects. 

I have a prospective tenant who must prove income of at least $3000 monthly to qualify to rent my property.  

I think it's a great tic or condominium prospect.

Owners/brokers will share the rent rolls with prospective buyers. 

Thoroughly VET prospective tenants (criminal, background & credit history), check out their social media, get references.

So as a newbie investor I was curious about how long you give your prospecting before you change up the tactics.