The question I have is there a no cost or low cost options to verify identity/background  of people I rent out. 

My first a second properties are nearly identical in home value and rent but was able to get the second for much less with a few simple strategies. 

There's a lot of variation within that and the long-term outlook for each neighborhood is not the same.It's not uncommon to find 100 year old houses in E, S and W San Antonio, which may be good for you if that means more demand for property inspections - I'd be interested to hear your perspective.San Antonio has a unique identity with the Missions and a strong Latin culture.

@Michael Norris let me know what you find and what your thoughts are on the appliance warehouse I didn't have the chance to tour the one you're getting, but I've been through the identical house right next door (which just rented for $1150).  

Landlord insurance is typically 10% to 20% more than home owner’s insurance.The following table shows the effect of just property tax and insurance on cash flow for an “identical” property in three different locations.

So, if two of the comps are identical say beds, baths, view, etc...and one has to be adjusted, you might give a 40% weight to the two that are most like the subject and only 20% to the one that has adjustments.

Assuming the 3 homes are not identical, are the two rentals the same? 

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE....House #2 (next door also owned by seller)Identical to house #1, 4 units however, are vacant. 2 are rent ready with one being temporarily occupied by his handyman. 

Even if you somehow had absolutely identical paychecks, tax calculations change from year to year - sometimes slightly and sometimes significantly. 

Around the corner literally a block away a home identical to mine, fully renovated, sold in Feb for 127000.