For example, I mention that every adult must pay a $30 application fee, pass my credit/criminal background, make a combined income of 3x the rent, and whether or not the property accepts pets.

@Andrew Owen, if you are going to put the effort into bird dogging deals like that you want to have the tools in your back pocket to take down any opportunities you find!

Generally speaking, when scrolling through listings, I'm looking for 3 things: pets allowed because I always travel with my dog, quality furnishings including comfortable living room seating (futons are a definite NO) and a king sized bed.

They were major drama queens, I fixed their cars, fed their dogs, shuttled them around etc.

We took over the property management because the owner was having multiple issues with a few of the "tenants" that have illegally sublet the property, and we are now dealing with the ripple effects (e.g. squatters, dogs, dispute with neighbors etc.)The landlord is cash strapped, and has asked me to go in on the property/deal with him in order to get a cash infusion to cover legal fees & renovation costs. 

That might be adding a washer/dryer, dishwaher, microwave hood, or even just allowing pets.

We are in central PA as well and while A/C is a plus, most homes do not have it and rely on window units for the dog days of summer. 

Just couldn't do it because I'm a dog person and I hate cats. 

I drove by a "pet cemetery" the other day and it really got me thinking.... lol, sorry.

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.