I like RentSpree because the prospective tenant can upload all of their docs into the system and the system auto-emails all references to confirm.

So we only do it for vacant properties and for tenant-occupied properties, an agent always accompanies the prospectives through the home.

The new attorneys and title companies don't seem to have any creativity.I found that a long contract initially can scare a prospect. 

There is almost zero chance that you bring this issue to a head and they sign a lease with a good future prospect for the tenancy.

Real Estate CRM software stores organized data about leads and customers, such as personal information, communication, and purchase history.

I'm hoping they get a good director in place who wants to serve their customers (tenants who need safe houszing) and their vendors supplying that need (landlords) and operate an efficient and successful program serving our community. 

You could certainly do a cash-out refinance after two years, but it's hard to say if you'd be able to pull a lot of cash out since it is unlikely your prospective new home will appreciate so fast.  

If I don’t want to use a PM company, what websites can I use to prescreen a prospective tenant? 

You can customize the approach to your own needs.

As a custom builder for decades, I dealt with this way more than once, especially with new subs that had not worked for me before.Back in the old days we used to just go with a verbal ok, but in the last 20 years or so, it is imperative to have a written CO (even an email sent from the jobsite) from the Sub and then I would add 20-25% and submit a CO of my own to the customer.