Many screening services only pull basic credit reports, but that doesn’t give you the full picture.For the best results, choose a screening service that includes identity verification, eviction history, criminal records, and income verification reports, rather than relying solely on a credit score and collecting pay stubs and bank statements, as fraudulent documents are becoming more common.Also, keep in mind that judgments and liens no longer appear on credit reports, so choosing a service that pulls these separately can help spot hidden risks.

Some trash companies have a service for an extra charge where they will wheel it out to the curb, because handicapped and the elderly often can’t do it.

The Housing Authority does NOT screen for rental history, property care, or lease compliance, which means a thorough screening process is just as important for Section 8 tenants as it is for any other renter.✅ ID Verification – Confirms the applicant is who they say they are, reducing fraud risks.✅ Judgments & Liens Search – Since these no longer appear on credit reports, a separate search can uncover past unpaid debts or court actions from prior landlords.✅ Eviction & Rental History – Checking payment history, past evictions, and landlord references helps verify reliability.✅ Criminal Background Check – Ensures compliance with local laws while flagging potential concerns.Section 8 can be a great program for landlords, but only if the tenant is properly vetted.

Quote from @Jonathan Chan: Hi, I'm looking to connect with as many HML as I can who service HML.  

Verifying recent 2-years of rental history very important!

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!

@Alexis CanalesYou're in a tough spot because FHA and most conventional lenders require two years of self-employment history, even with strong financials.

Hire a loan servicer - plenty of discussion and recommendation on BP on this topic and some recommendations for servicing companies 

Some services miss key red flags like evictions, judgments, liens, and identity verification.

Unless you are obtaining a DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan or working with a community lender through a portfolio loan, you will likely need to take title to residential real estate in your own name at the time of purchase.