As to your comment about disconnecting utilities, every state I have looked into make it a criminal offense if you turn off any utilities, even if the tenant isn't paying you for them. 

However, he comes from Florida and doesn't exactly have a wonderful reputation from his time in Florida at least according to this article: https://www.floridatrend.com/print/article/12331Per the article: "Bultema left a total of 81 homes incomplete, and prosecutors found enough evidence to charge him with criminal fraud in 16 of those cases, including the Simmonds'.

I will have to take a test as the principal of the company as well but it is not as involved as the MLO exam.I just have to show sufficient net worth, that I pay my bills and that I'm not a criminal.

I find some courthouses look at me like I'm a criminal trying to do some dirty work and waste their time while other smaller places ask me if my chair is comfy enough.  

You also can't discriminate against rental applicants with criminal backgrounds (except sex offenders). 

Local laws encourage thieves to steal and break into cars without any fear of prosecution.

I think my PM co does credit checks, references, criminal background, and work history.I googled "how to screen potential renters" and found on line services and interesting information.

When you run a credit check and criminal background check, what is acceptable?

It won't go well unless you are this type of LL and accustomed to dealing with druggies and criminals.

I'm wondering what services you all use to screen tenants in Seattle, in order to conform with the "second chance" law preventing criminal background checks (or even asking questions about criminal history).