Whether you go section 8 or not, make sure you screen your tenant the same way you would for a non-section 8.

During covid, not a single tenant missed a payment - probably because my property manager screened well.  

As far as a check list, research here on BP tenant screening, and other topics to help you in your set up.Main thing is to first set a rental criteria, so when you have someone interested you have a standard set that you work off of to screen your tenants. 

He is not a Realestate person needs some structure to the process of screening tenets and payment plans.I am going to put the units on section 8 as they become vacant.  

It wouldn't cost too much more to hire a property manager and they would do all the work for you.There are services available for screening that won't cost you a dime or require any effort on your part.

Bigger question is are you qualified to screen applicants.

The key is to screen multiple options (if possible) and find one that fits for you and your property.You can start by going to www.narpm.org and search their directory of managers.

As a new investor looking OOS, what advice would you give to help screen out quality vs. fluff? 

I think once a year is enough if you screen well, although I did have a serious issue recently in a duplex that was caused mostly by not inspecting, and inadequate screening of an inherited tenant-that will not happen twice!!

I always screen my tenants myself and I am aware the problem this time was I believed the realtor/owner.