once I have a potential tenant then I send them a link from Zillow Smartmove and they can apply, this runs their credit and a criminal check on them. 

It's like subsidized wellfare housing. you don't want to be close by as good tenants usually leave and the 'bad' tenants you know the ones who are loud, pack rats, or criminal types stay.

I am interested in hearing feedback on how this could change the screening process.Here's my current screening process:Collect & Verify last 5 years of rental & employment history.Run Checks: criminal, credit, and eviction.Income Requirement: 3x monthly rent (this can be substituted by paying a security deposit of 4x rent)Phone InterviewIn person (or video) InterviewMy rental strategy seems to greatly reduce my risk (eviction, damage to property, vacancy, etc). 

Included in this should be a minimum credit score, income, evictions, and criminal record.

Then somehow make an offer that isn't offensive and helps him not have to do any more work. 

Even if the other person/group is gone by the time the next ones are there, the notice lets them know that there is a demand for the apartment and keeps the showings shorter since they realize someone else may be waiting.On the phone, or via e mail, I go over our requirements (3x rent in income, no criminal history, no evictions) and answer any questions they have.  

So far, I have not seen any in the checks I've done, but I would think that if you pay for a background check that includes evictions, criminal records, etc, you should be good.

In our market its cash on the barrel head and payment is a cashiers check so once you hand it over its done .. no chance to reverse anything.In Indiana were I have attended a few auctions.. they make a point of it to say its a violation of the law ( criminal ) to bid on a property and not follow through.. but I don't know there.Before you go blowing a bunch of dough on an attorney and just making this work.Simply go to the Sherrifs office and meet with someone of authority and ask what your options are.it could be a simple.. well you lose your deposit but your not on the hook for the rest.you could stop payment on check..

I was a Tax Examiner at the IRS and Also worked in their Criminal Investigation Division. 

By doing this it really weeds out the people that aren't serious and it gives me instant visibility into credit, criminal, and eviction check nationwide.