for $40 it only gives a "rating" and no specifics.is there a service of reasonable cost that actually give me a credit report and details on results of background checks?thanks

While it may seem like a high fee you'd be hard placed to replace those services with a paid employee and do better than you're paying now.My problem with the deal is the $5,000 setup fee.

These types of tenants often do this because they don't want to save in advance, so they take the rent owed to you and use it to put down on their next home.Recommend you do a better job of communicating to the tenants that you will pursue every legal collection option if they don't pay last month's rent.Also, why are tenants NOT staying with you?

Which one will rent better?  

You're likely better served by a CPA that does have that focus and understanding.There are several such CPAs here on Bigger Pockets, so best best would be to reach out to some of them, schedule a consultation and see which one would work best for you.Best of luck! 

In my opinion, I would change other construction materials to make the home better before I switched from block to ICFs.

I did that and felt better about it. 

I've used services I had to pay for but honestly rent spree has been just as good if not better. 

Your two kids (and counting) are counting on you to rise above the circumstances you created and do better.

There are so many deals that happen "off market" with better returns that searching on the MLS isn't worth the time.