I realize state laws are changing around the country, but marijuana is still illegal in MN, and to top it off, he was the one who drove the couple to the unit.After they left the showing, we sent them an email saying that we noticed he was under the influence and we wouldn't feel comfortable approving them as tenants and our landlord would not either (he's a police officer).

I would keep marketing, maybe try a new channel or two with a different demographic, keep polishing the place up, and accepting applications until you get someone who meets your criteria.

Cons: turnover, cleanliness, more police issues, you need to be more active in the community to try to keep your ability to rent clear of town restrictions.  

Finally, check with the city police on crime in that area.  

My brother is a police officer as well.

The risk with section 8 is never really knowing how your local system is policed and if the policing will drastically change with staff or policy changes.

@Mark NolanThis is how i did before I learned about SM:* Background:  applicant to submit BG which can be obtained from local / county police station.* Credit: meet applicant in a public place with free wifi - tenant then pull the free credit report from the government official  anualcreditreport*com.  

I called the police and animal control and nobody would come.  

You will have the moral police all over your case. 

I'm calling the police the first peep I hear out of this house."