As a landlord, requiring renters insurance can help reduce your own liability and ensure that tenants have adequate protection in case of an unforeseen event. 

Yes, if I were in your shoes I would cover the cost of the girlfriend's background document, while having the boyfriend pay his own way.You'll want this info not just to ensure you don't have a problem now, but also to provide you with the deep personal data that might come in handy if you ever have to engage in collections activity against either of them.As an aside, when you purchase a rental property with tenants already in place, you should always demand all the tenant application and approval documents as part of your overall estoppel process.Once you buy the property, they become your tenants, warts and all, so you should know what you're getting into well in advance.

I'm going to be asking for lien wavers to ensure the subcontractor has been paid in full so he can't go after me too.

Do you have any suggestions if you are buying a mf how to ensure all of the tenants are paying on time and you arent buying a place where half of the tenants are beyond?

I do think there is a difference between "extras" and ensuring the asset is protected.

Just trying to figure out a way to ensure they get paid and not throw myself under the bus at the same time. 

I want to ensure the yard stays nice in terms of mowing, shrubs, weeds, etc., but i dont want to incur any unnecessary expenses.

Just ensure you give people a quality place to live, can be hard if your copper is getting ripped out but that isn't the fault of the tenants, probably.

Lastly you need to ensure you have the essentials in place before you start. 

You should talk to a real estate attorney or title company that works with investors in your area to ensure you are in compliance with any laws.