But, it's definitely illegal to pretend you own something you don't, then charge someone to use it. 

I have no problem calling an employer to verify- but I want to ensure its not someone on the phone pretending to be an employer.Just trying to cover all my bases..as i have met some characters.Thanks-Jenn

There are a lot of people with alterior motives of stuff to sell you, many that have no idea what they are talking about though they love to pretend, and many that give advice that may be appropriate for them and their market but don't apply to you and yours (real estate investing is local and personalized).

The old woman in the wheel chair was an old homeless woman he picked up off the street to pretend she was his mother.This was June and the weather extremely hot and this poor woman was dress like she was in Alaska. 

Someone who works for the Government and pretends they are a potential renter to check out your screening methods.

Not only does it make sense, but Georgia law specifically allows a landlord to do so... as well as charge extra when a "guest" begins to stay over regularly (the "disguised tenant pretending to be a guest")?  

I pretended I was going to the school (or your kid is) and start calling and asking for tours and questions.

Try to pretend you are in their shoes, and what it would take to make you happy or cooperate.

What I would look at is the rental listings on Zillow, craigslist, etc to see what similar proeprties in your area are asking, maybe even call a few pretending to be an interested tenant. 

Pretend you're talking to a loved one.