If you choose to play with fire, that is your perogative.For your reference, here is a good primer.Here is the key paragraph:Rental discrimination is when a landlord or property manager treats an applicant differently based on the applicant’s inclusion in a protected class.

I want to go for the lowest but I also want to make sure that I am appropriately protected.

That would be one way to keep your money protected 

Maybe they've been burned by landlords in the past and are being very careful.You can legally reject them based on personality, facial tattoos, body odor, or other factors, but you better make sure you can prove that it wasn't based on any protected class like race, religion, familial status, etc.

Is it advisable to do that for protection and tax deductions?

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings.

Any LTR operator knows that a lease offers some legal protections to the lessor, and this includes financial obligations on the lessee.

Whether it's mold, COVID, or a non-paying renter, a quality PM acts quickly and decisively to protect people, property, and the landlord.If you feel the PM was negligent in their response, you can file a complaint with the state commission.

Her dad died when she was young, leaving her and her five siblings to be raised by her mother, Abu, a Chinese immigrant.

Quote from @Alyssa Dinson: Hi everyone, I live in California and have been meeting a lot of investors who prefer to invest out of state due to California being so expensive as well as the aggressive tenant protection laws we have here.