I even convinced him to give me access and tour his place.I finally got his attention after a few weeks and he's asked for an agreement.

. -- Regarding the showing:I FaceTime / Skype them into a showing (have an agent tour them around the house via Skype / FaceTime). 

For example, I once had a tenant move into a newly rehabbed property that was pretty much like new and in exactly the same condition when they first toured the property and when they signed the lease. 

Look at other nearby units on Craigslist and maybe in person to calibrate well.Can you listen when folks tour to understand why they aren't putting in an application?  

I do already have 2 tours scheduled for tomorrow though, so doubt it will be available long or sit vacant at all, even at market rent. 

If you plan on visiting the city some places have neighborhood tours. 

I live very close to Brooklyn Basin and have toured the site with the developer.

You meet them at the door and say politely, I’m sorry but we don’t allow foodor drinks or smoking while touring our home.b.At what moment do you begin screening after the initial phone call?

We rent a large SFH (we have owned since '91) to an officer (& family) in the service & he requested a 4 year lease for the duration of his 'tour'. 

European transplants for whom I was the first landlord in America--paid in cash, extremely clean.