In my estimation, these landlords overpaid for the property, have no experience in what it takes to manage tenants or property, and will throw anyone into a unit, regardless of credit score, criminal background, monthly income, employment history, or rental history.  

At one point I began researching the route and I quickly found that this is a serious offense, and wasn't something I wanted to risk.

Do you have a criminal record that includes drug charges or violent felonies, sex offenses? 

The real problem is there are alot of good deals out there and not alot of places to get money to buy them from.I can tell you from my limited experience realtors have tons of people wanting to see forclosures, who are not cash or pre-approved buyers. 99% of the time it is just a waste of their time and gas, no offense intended.Can you scrounge up cash by selling something or from savings etc, or have money available through family or friends?

They required good funds for application fee and checked credit, job history and criminal.

If I tell him I will report the air conditioners as stolen, he might act - he has a fairly substantial criminal record.

Interesting article:http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-03-18/classified/ct-home-0318-renting-20110318_1_restitution-tenants-criminal-chargesMight be worth contacting the former tenant and offering a resolution that does not involve the authorities - worst case it motivates them to reimburse you for damages above their security.

I've chosen not to rent to criminals in general, especially serious offenders.

The issue of me needing to prove I'm a non-criminal so that the BUYER can get their financing?

The bank is filing criminal trespass against this person today and the preservation manager is taking pics and documenting how they got in again.