There will be some cosmetic renovations but aim to start renting out the place around late September/ early October.I'm currently putting our pre-screening criteria together and wanted to check with the experts on this forum if what I"m asking for is actually realistic/ reasonable. 

I highly recommend "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by NOLO because it's written by attorneys with tons of practical advice about marketing, screening, leases, breaking leases, security deposits, and more.

You have all the control.You could stay in your own Vacation rental for free for a period of time (add this to your agreement)Make sure of their abilities, don't rent to someone that this is their first attempt at a STR.You have little risk in this scenario.Get first, last months and a security deposit to further minimize your risk and screen them like you would a normal tenant.

., TV commercials, radio ads, do pay per click/adwords, facebook, Linkedin, Youtube, and other forms of online advertising and boosted/promoted social media postings.Bottom line is consistency.

Sometimes, even the best tenants who are well-screened will fall into unforeseen circumstances.

Seems to me that proper applicant screening would prevent most of the issues you post about."

Many investors who seek advice in this and other forums use a simple calculator to illustrate their potential investment, then post the calculator screen shot on the forum.  

Once I attract tenants what screening process should I put them through in or to find the best possible ones out there?

That’s an imposition on the bed guys - you can’t use the sofa to watch tv late, or in the morning, and have to be quiet when a sofa bed guy is sleeping.    

One of the people in my BP Mastermind Group has just started using Stessa, and as sharing some of their screen shots for measuring 'property performance' which seem pretty useful, but I have not found the equivalent in Rentec Direct so far.Have any of you done a deep comparison of the two and could share some thoughts?