I believe generally expungements relate to criminal records not recorded docs. 

Both guys are smart workers and business minded, and have an opportunity to pick up work from the shortage of fence businesses in the area.

I am sure you have done similar :)yep I’ve took on tenants with criminal History and evictions  before .. guess what everyone of them has screwed me too one of which resulted in me filing a third eviction to get them out  

Here are a few pointers, - Background Check, Criminal record, eviction record, credit report, bank statements, previous landlord referral (look up the property on the auditor to verify that it's not their friend). - Ask them what they can share with you.

Tall grass, boarded up windows you can almost guarantee it's vacant or someone used it for criminal activity.You will need to know the comps for similar homes in the area or rents if you plan on keeping it. 

There are several tenants who pay on time, don't have evictions/criminal records but they can only afford lower rent homes.

They both passed credit and criminal background checks no problem.

But that's only good until he ends up getting busted.The easy road seems to be selling the house to him, but I don't like dealing with criminals.

Increase your standards and screen thoroughly.There are dozens of ways to check a credit/criminal background.

Of note; I only put forth one applicant at a time after I do a free preliminary screening checks of past landlords, employment, and open source criminal courts online.