We will rent to folks with no rental history (with a co-signer) and with some criminal background, where others in our market won't.In low income you can often get tenants to leave when the money stops; we have not had to file an eviction yet.  

It can become a criminal investigation with severe penalties.

Are they criminals?

If you're buying in cheap/rough areas then you're likely going to be getting market rate tenants who, for whatever reason (but usually something in their criminal or rental background) can't rent in better areas and can't qualify for vouchers.Nothing wrong with being a low-income housing provider as an RE strategy, just don't assume that subsidized tenants will be flocking to your units.Good luck!

I am going to be a first time landlord in Fresno, CA.  I'm looking to rent out 2 of my bedrooms in my SFH.  I was wondering what is the best way to screen future tenants if I don't want to pay for a monthly subscripti...

You can take this false affidavit into your local police or court officer (whoever institutes criminal charges in your jurisdiction).

I have a clean criminal background, and the 3 evictions have all been dismissed.Sadly I heard a realtor(here) make the claim that people who get evicted had to be due to neglect to pay their rent.

That is illegal and may actually be criminal under state and federal law.

- I use an online credit/eviction/criminal background check service, should I expect them to be able to fill out and pay via the online service?

If someone applies, how would you suggest that we run credit and criminal background checks on them so I can see if they are someone I would like to run credit on?