For example, I mention that every adult must pay a $30 application fee, pass my credit/criminal background, make a combined income of 3x the rent, and whether or not the property accepts pets.

but with my personal background in development it really helps. 

There just seems to be a lot of credit and/or background issues with prospective tenants.

Credit/background checks are charged to the tenant, not you. 

You’re going to get a range of responses and it’s not that number that should matter to you, but the background behind it.

Its ironic Brian and I's backgrounds mirror each other ... other than I am about a decade older LOLWe both have strong North bay Ties..

This is specific to this, I have the detailed 411 on this, including full background on seller, why selling, how things have gone, maintenance history and recent updates/upgrades such as the newer roof, HVAC etc etc etc... 

MileIQ is a popular one, and that one runs in the background on your phone and logs every trip you make, and then you categorize each trip as personal or business. 

After discussing their goals, we realized they would like to maximize the property's value while also including me in the process, given my background in general contracting.

On the other hand, owning rental properties gives you full control and the best tax perks but also requires the most work and risk management.Whichever option you lean toward, always diversify across deals and sponsors, and don’t hesitate to ask for references or do background checks.