First, we don't know that this is the end of the market cycle, however it is safer to assume that it is and take a defensive approach to an otherwise offensive business. 

@Susan V. there are hard money lenders who won't consider credit at all, however, they may still do a background check / LexisNexis search just to ensure there are no federal tax liabilities, significant criminal charges including writing bad checks, or other monetary concerns from that standpoint.

Same with CT, actually it becomes a criminal matter if tenant is paying for utility outside of their unit and not disclosing on the lease.

Ask the literally hundreds of agents in prison for offenses related to real estate.The reason why it IS relevant is that you are held to a different standard...

However, if your intent is to get houses under contract without ever closing on them, they say you are practicing real estate without a license, which can be punished as a felony offense.

I check my states court website and find evictions and criminal history where it is missed on the report.

Take this as an offensive thing and get pissed, or say..

Another possibility is that she didn't deliver your offer, which would be fraudulent and potentially criminal.

Definitely do a background check and criminal history check on any potential tenants.

Am I really just screening for criminal history then?