Think convenient and/or charming location, big views, and keep costs and utility bills down by building small. 

Works like a charm and I have not had a conversation with a tenant about a rent increase in nearly ten years. 

Because you know they do.Their actions have spoken loud and clear that they have one.Unfortunately, my experience with cat lovers, is that they can never have just one.  

It's actually better if you don't meet the tenants because you'll be assessing their ability to qualify based on your criteria objectively, rather than on their likability factor (tenant scam artists can be quite charming, you know).

I hope I'd sound as charming as you are :) Thanks for your guidance Sue.

We love renting to seniors.

Perhaps it was an ex lover with one of the tenants that trashed the place but since two people were on the lease they got the mark on their record?

That's a tough one, you're certainly going to have a hard time with the pitbull mix though there are tons of dog lovers out there who will accept dogs with the above mentioned ideas.

It worked out great for me, as their lovers came and went - usually student tenants.  

So, call the city and see what they say about it.Finally you want to get all this done as politely as possible of course, I know you do, and those southern charm skills will come in handy to make it happen!!!