We typically will have them prescreened with @Paul Ritter and MyCreditTeam.com prior to accepting them. 

The house had solid bones, but we negotiated on some of the negatives: it had been sitting on the market, it was dated inside, and it had a potential foundation issue (completely checked out prior to closing).

.- A bit more time consuming, but you can run comps or do a CMA (comparable market analysis).

You need comparable sales that are more expensive than your target price.

@Joshua Hollandsworth If you don’t have your real estate license, find an agent who is willing to provide you with a market analysis of comparable properties - both in the same shape as your property currently, and in the same shape as the updated property nearby (but without the perks your property lacks).

They said it's old paper from prior owner. 

Your broker should have given you all the options and how to maximize your money prior to entering in contract. 

I have disqualified potential tenants quickly based upon public documents showing convictions, evictions, etc.  1.Fill out preliminary application.2.Verify application for 3 times monthly rent income, pay stubs, no felony, no evictions, at least 1 year on job.3.Query in Iowa Courts Online.4.Query Facebook. 5.Query Polk County Assessor (or county they live in). 6.Contact prior landlords.7.If applicant passes preliminary screening, send online application ($40 fee)8.Review screening for 600+ credit score, on time payments, income, eviction and criminal history.

I would not pay more than what comparable sales say the properties are worth.

Is there a comparable Website for searching “Homes for Sale by Owner” as the MLS for Agency Listings?