Lastly, any applicant with previous evictions or a violent criminal background are a complete no go right from the start. 

That's not a particularly serious criminal record, and he will probably never be violent again. 

Neighborhood Scout has it's crime index at 2 which is among the most dangerous.There have been several posts on this in the last few months.In recent years violent crime have leveled off even seeing a slight downward trend this year.

Here's my definition of these different areas:A - this is where you and I want to live (lowest crime, best schools); appreciation is very good (generally highest) and cashflow is either negative or very little; ideal for fix n flips if you find that "sore thumb"; best for new buildsB - low crime, good schools; with some appreciation and positive cashflow; lots of homes are owned by first time home buyers in addition to renters with stable jobs/ good incomes; good for fix n flips as wellC - some crime, OK schools; little appreciation and very good cashflow; renters with OK incomes; ideal for buy-and-hold specially if area is changing or becoming a B area; you can get very good ROI even for turnkey properties if you're in this areaD - high crime, bad schools; no appreciation and very high cashflow; mostly subsidized housing; to succeed with this, you got to be a "hands on" landlord and literally live close by; lots of boarded up houses (one boarded up per block)F - this is where the most violent crimes are committed; negative appreciation and the highest cashflow; every other house is boarded up; you either get shot or get stabbed so be careful so wear a bullet proof vest:) PMs don't even want to be in these areas

My lesson from that experience is that I will looks for only objective factors ( income range of tenants, actual violent crime statistics, school ratings) to determine sketchiness in future.

If its anything violent or otherwise serious, DENY. 

Little Rock is one of the most violent cities per capita. 

Will accept some moderate petty crime, but no major violent crimes.  6) Stable job market

In digging into the details through public record searches I find out that he has had 3 evictions, several drug convictions, and a violent crime.

If they are afraid of a violent confrontation, then they can call the police for an escort.