And perhaps instead of a free-for-all I could narrow my focus - like accepting folks with certain kinds of criminal records but not others (like no sex offenders). 

As far as restrictions with the deed, it states some general maintenance requirements (landscaping, removal of trees, nuisances, maintenance of the property, etc.) and only mentions that transfer restrictions comply with fair housing (not discriminate race, sex, etc.).I say foreclosure because the current owner was served an NOS that will proceed in Jan of next year.  

I don't charge and I feel that the more info I give them the more it will influence responses, so this is what I use on page 1 of the application:Our Criteria:We do not deny housing for race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, marital status, or familial status.We do deny housing to individuals: when the application is not complete or accurate where there is no sufficient income/resources to pay rent and livewhere there is poor prior tenancy: evictions, violations, damage to rental property, poorly handled move outs, amounts are still owing to landlords or utilities.Criminal activity is at our discretion depending on severity, number of convictions, and how long ago.Our Philosophy:We strive to provide affordable, clean, and safe housing, be fair with repairs, and improve the Highlands neighborhood.

Dale Carnegie wrote a book called "How to win friends and influence people" If you want to be an aggressive prick or sleazy salesman, I would insist you sell cars instead.How to build rapport… Talk about their family, talk about their job, talk about their hobbies, but stay away from religion and politics and sex.

HI Josh, Good question the 7 Classes are as follows:•Race•Color•Religion•National Origin•Sex•Disability•Familial StatusThe one that is possibly coming down the pipeline we were told at the last Fair Housing informative session is "Financial Status".

I remember reading a strange but power tip once for people who have a little anxiety about talking on the phone to (potential employers, clients, opposite sex, etc.).

@Ned CareyI crossed my references, sorry - - it's a Fair Housing Regulation:Fair Housing Laws prohibitdiscrimination based on: - Race or Color- National Origin or Ancestry- Religion- Sex- Sexual Orientation- Marital Status- Age / Familial Status (havingchildren or being pregnant)- Mental or Physical Disability- Source of IncomeWhat actions are prohibited?

You were not fired for a protected reason like race, sex, religion, etc. 

But after a little digging I just discover that a sex offender used that address as his last known address.

There has not been any recent crime reported in the area, but there are a lot of registered sex offenders in the city.