However the probability of it leading to apprehending that criminal is entirely a different matter.  

TBH, if I was going to be a criminal, this is what I would do.

Most applicants come in with credit scores in the 400s-500s with several evictions, criminal records, and/or money in collections from other debts.Due to our loan terms, we can't sell this property for another 5 years without taking a crippling hit.We are more than willing to put $ into this property, but not if it's just an endless sinkhole without any return...Can anybody offer any tips/or suggestions for this situation we have found ourselves in?

I require good credit history, check criminal background, and do an eviction check on all applicants 18 and up.

We signed an agreement returning the estate in lieu of criminal charges and civil suit but we've had several delays with the court trying to clarify bank, insurance and other accounts.Several months ago, after waiting for this to be resolved, I decided to house-hack and just do the remodel myself, financed with my credit cards.

All career criminals (and most juvenile offenders) know that, the criminal justice system has no remedy for their criminal activity.

So, criminal and eviction checks can work without SSN.

Yes, they lie.We run background, credit and criminal checks.Love your doxpop.

Is there some data or stats our there showing church employees are excellent payors and don't have eviction or criminal records?

I have had to pay for appraisals twice on a number of occasions because of criminals running banks changing their minds.Unfortunately I don't think there is much you can do.