For all the greatness that this country offers it is also a playground for criminals and victims get screwed all the way around.Looking back I can see many red flags with this whole scenario and how it went down. 

yes. unless a bunch of white collar criminals move in lol

Make sure you run credit checks, criminal background and contact previous landlords.

An even bigger issue is that Zillow routinely misses evictions and criminal charges that a quick docket search in the locations listed in in the credit report turns up.

There are three court cases involving Bridgehouse and its owner, Mario Robert Garcia at the Justice Court in Maricopa county in Arizona (case numbers CC2018-219950, CC2018-250364, CC2018-065079).

@James Bartlett There can be civil and criminal penalties for mortgage fraud.

The reason I know this is some of my clients over the years and pretty sharp folks went down that rabbit hole and before they committed asked me to step in so I went through the whole pitch.. its amazing these guys are very good at what they do.. but end of the day they are just criminal orignizations.. 

When you order a tenant screening report, you should get a credit score and criminal background check. 

If a tenant has a recent or lengthy criminal rap sheet, look the other way.

The best way to get into real estate is to get a mentor that can guide you step by step and if you can find one local, that is just icing on the cake.