If you think the neighborhood is rough and generally undesirable, that is likely the kind of tenant you are going to be able to attract. 

@david weintraub kids range from early 40s to mud 50s.. there are a few of them from what i can see.

Jude's expansion, the convention center revamp, Pinch and Uptown district improvements, and redevelopment of Mud Island River Park and the riverfront.

Even though they can cash flow, the market demographic can be very undesirable and unstable.

What I find helpful is to outline your qualification criteria (household income 3x times rent, 1 year of continuous employment, a certain credit score, etc.) on the application, that way undesirable tenants can screen themselves by not applying or if you happen to turn down a candidate, you have documentation supporting your case and why you did so.Another point in regards to your "verifiable income for a year question" is: you can have the candidate list employer references, which will allow you to contact their supervisor/manager and ask about their employment status and in this case their employment history. 

Like the South and South End of Tacoma it has many older, charming craftsman style homes but overall it's a very rough, undesirable area and the school ratings are some of the worst in the state at 1-3. 

But to us stick-in-the-mud buy-and-hold landlords, it's a VERY big deal. 

(This won't work when you pass the social security wage base - $118,500 in 2016.)Also, keep in mind, rental income is not subject to SE tax.I found a nifty calculator: https://www.lawinc.com/corporation/overview/tax-savings-calculatorClear as mud!

The investors who have poor cash flow to equity typically got there due to market appreciation yet they are depicting it as though it is undesired. 

Better than my house :) I meant more the area - it's known as - ahem - "undesirable".