Another big help is to change all the door locks to key-pad locks.

The key for me is not to put lipstick on a pig and delude myself back onto a "winning track" to "get past failure," it's to remind myself that I'm not all that and never will be, and get over feeling sorry for myself.

Keyed on outside and always unlocked on inside. door handle will always require a key to open the door and cannot be left unlocked (at least my understanding). duplicate and issue to all tenants.

They do check occupancy cross reference with utility records, drivers license info, insurance to name a few.

With military pay it's different, you can claim that with what ever state you have your residence in (state you have your driver's license).

The key where most newbies make a mistake is paying to  much in the original contract.

Is it smart to use a lock box and allow the potential renter to view the property unattended as long as you get a copy of their drivers license?

@Dmitriy Fomichenko,Thanks for the welcome and the link to key BP resources. 

It was the concept of Cash for Keys, which basically meant to offer the tenant X amount of cash to pack up and leave by a certain date. 

CA laws state that keys must be returned to the landlord or the landlord can have the locks re-keyed and deduct the expense from the deposit.