I don't believe that being poor is always a choice, I know it is not an indication that someone is of criminal inclination or incapable of being a decent tenant. 

Long story short we discovered a criminal record (check fraud), short work history, and low income.

Where I primarily invest we have one and their annual fee of $75 includes free real estate forms (leases, etc.) as well as cheap background checks (credit/criminal for $13.00). 

No criminals, druggies or pit bull day cares.  

In your position, you can/should go for the homes that were typical granny homes 5 years ago, and then were blights for 5 years and criminals stripped the appliances, etc. 

For example we have 13 RE lawyers in the club and a number of lawyers in other fields who are members, to include two who work in criminal defense What i suggest is that you come to a monthly meeting early and ask around.  

The other crimes are either criminal mischief or theft.  

It does not matter how you get them (except through criminal means) just get them.

I was attending Los Angeles Real Estate Club by Phyllis Rockower but now that she sold it to Lloyd Segal I will no longer attend (he has a criminal record and was dis-barred, and I have no time for criminals).

If his criminal record is within perimeters,  that some around the country are now having to consider, you could make permit him to move in.