Happened too many times for first 3-4 years.There is no risk of loosing the "deposit" either and it's just a bit of skin in the game even tho the skin is always yours to keep heheCovered all angles mate and made this as fool proof as possible but still enough to make folks "jump" through hoops to see who is legit and who isn't.As Chris mentioned, 90% of investors we don't end up working with and even when many commit to the deposit, I refund many times as I don't feel a good fit.Even with such stringent criteria, we still get mud thrown on us here on BP as some folks slip through the cracks.I could only imagine if we took on everyone and just focused on pushing sales.I can sell a TV to a blind man and ice to an eskimo.

After a guest stole out TV's and filed a claim on their credit card payment - and VRBO did NOTHING to assist us, we checked out what Airbnb would have done. 

In the future, consider getting permission in writing via text or email.Most people don't care, and the pictures usually aren't detailed enough for a viewer to see anything personal like documents, family photos, etc.

I'm also married, trying to protect three teenagers from their own stupidity, run a business with seven employees, etc.I consider myself a success story, but I have C-class rentals in a small market nobody knows/cares about, and I don't have the infectious personality that makes for good TV.

I remember the old military recruitment commercials that ran on TV.

:)Look for those that: are NOT on the top of the search engine lists when you do a search; that you do NOT see/hear on tv/radio ads; etc! 

Personal utility bills are a good example (electric, internet, TV, etc.).

However, I would estimate your internet for $100 or less through Comcast (high speed internet only with smart tv apps), $100 for water, and $400 for electric/gas. 

Any slick new solutions to troubleshoot tech issues with residents (usually tv or internet questions)?

You have basic finishes like laminate counters, 30" cabinets, a coil stove a TV sitting on a bar stool and your pool doesn't have a hot tub, that alone is losing you bookings.