The agent won't be the one defending you in court. 

A true "professional" landlord would defend his lease to the penny...Personally I am a "Hobby" landlord and wouldn't bother, however you may end up with some unexpected support for defending your finances to the penny.

It's easier if you memorize a sentence and don't explain or defend.  

And the fact that you are here defending your position - means you have to defend your position.I just wonder what type of client you end up with.  

Then, you get to hire Mexican attorneys to defend your title, etc.  

.- - - - - - - - - -PET AGREEMENT  (Addendum to Rental Agreement)The Month-To-Month Rental Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated_______________________ between __________________________________________________________________________, as Landlord and ________________________________________________________________________, as Tenant of real property located at _______________________________________________________, is hereby amended to include the following terms and conditions: The rental agreement specifically prohibits keeping pets and animals without Landlord permission; Tenant agrees to follow these terms and conditions in exchange for permission to keep a specific pet:Condition for keeping a pet:Tenant agrees to pay additional rent of _____________ per month for the privilege of keeping this pet.Tenant agrees to pay additional security deposit of ______________ for the privilege of keeping this pet.Name of pet: __________________________Description of pet: _______________________ (type, breed, color, age)Veterinarian: __________________________Emergency Caretaker: ____________________Tenant agrees to:1.Provide proper care for the pet in accordance with veterinary recommendations or ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) guidelines.See www.aspca.org.2.Adhere to local ordinances, including leash, vaccination, and tag/licensing, requirements.3.Clean up after the pet and dispose of pet waste properly and quickly.4.Not to leave pet food or water outside the dwelling, as it could attract other animals.5.Not to leave the pet unattended for any unreasonable periods of time.6.Keep the pet from being noisy, aggressive, or from causing any annoyance or discomfort to others.7.Immediately remedy any complaints that arise from pet behavior.8.Immediately pay for any damage, loss, or expense caused to others by the pet.9.Provide pet with regular health care, to include inoculations as recommended by a veterinarian.10.Spay or neuter the pet when it becomes of age to do so.11.Arrange for an emergency caretaker for the pet.Tenant agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend Landlord against all liability, judgments, expenses (including attorney fees), or claims by third parties for any injury to any person or damage to property caused by Tenant’s pet.Landlord reserves the right to revoke permission to keep the pet should Tenant break this agreement or provide false or misleading information.

I'm normally quick to defend someone that made a mistake in the past, especially if it's ancient history or you have other reason to believe that they've turned their lives around.But in this case there are a bunch of other red flags on top of the criminal record.

I understand I won't change the minds of investors who have either made their mind up (or had their mind made up for them) but I do feel I should attempt to defend my profession.I too have heard all the PM horror stories and there are good and bad in every profession. 

I could keep going but I am really not trying to defend anyone.

If this is the case the cost to defend yourself would likely be close to the amount of the security deposit assuming you even win the case.