When someone tells me they are going to be here a long time and are trying to make music to my ears, my bull Schmidt detector starts going off.They can buy a camper for the amount of rent they would be paying you for 6 months. 

Find any reason to turn away a music or theater major - drama!  

It's not fair and you'll have an argument on your hands.Noise - tell them they are expected to listen to music and movies and TV or whatever - with headphones.They must have their own phone.Laundry - have laundry rules if you have laundry facilities.Advertise for commuters, if you have a market for that - people who need a place to rent during the week for their job, but have a home they go to on weekends.Advertise for med or law students  - they are quiet and just want a quiet room where they can study.Another good roommate option is a fireman/woman.  

It is not your neighbor's role in life to listen to your tenant's music, loud guests, or anything else.  

Also, is there a point where it's up to the tenants to solve their own problems and how do you draw that line--eg if there's noise or loud music in the neighborhood or other quality of life issues that don't apply to the physical integrity and function of the property.

When you go over the lease, provide them a tenant instruction sheet with your welcome packet that explains:- how they can pay rent- how to make a repair request- watering restrictions- how to operate unit's HVAC, thermostat, care of garbage disposal, location of main water shut off, gas shut off, breaker box- numbers or links to turn on/transfer utility accounts- how your city enforces noise ordinances and how this may effect those who violate it (BTW, your tenant  blasting his music so it can be heard at by other residents on the block  at 10 am is just as bad as if he is doing it at 4 in the morning). - anything else you feel tenant should knowOthers have given you some great suggestions for collecting rent automatically.

I have a small, SFH 3 bdrm and rent 1 bdrm to 1 person - as the ad clearly states.I had a couple reply recently - went on and on about being older "professionals": "We just want to make music and bring smiles to people.

He had decided to write music full-time, and promised me he would never play loud music in the apartment, etc. 

They're the ones who will park crazy and take up two spaces, "forget" to pay rent on time, play music too loud, etc. 

I am considering a tenant who also teaches music from home (her current place).