We use a variety of methods, we google their email address, telephone number, visit their current location, & look at their LinkedIn & Facebook page.

I always pre screen them on the telephone.

If and when they reply, I will do my initial telephone prescreening and if things check out, I will be doing the background check using the TranUnion SmartMove background screening process.

I got a telephone call from him yesterday saying that squatters has taken over his apartment.

Your best bet would be to skip trace the owners to find telephone numbers.  

This could include Meals & Entertainment, Office Supplies, Telephone and other business related expenses.  

I wouldn't disclose the exact address until I was the owner and the prospective tenant had passed my telephone screening.Since this is your first residential rental property, spend this time learning as much as you can about the art of landlording.

The way I see it, I have the ability to use the telephone just as any manager.  

Consider having them get an IRS Tax Transcript.Here’s what is visible on the new tax transcript:Last four digits of any SSN listed on the transcript: XXX-XX-1234Last four digits of any EIN listed on the transcript: XX-XXX1234Last four digits of any account or telephone numberFirst four characters of the last name for any individual (first three characters if the last name has only four letters)First four characters of a business nameFirst six characters of the street address, including spacesAll money amounts, including wage and income, balance due, interest and penalties

Signs for your car and telephone poles are easy and cheap.