Additionally, I had some scammers steal someone's identity and apply using the stolen identity, which Zillow missed (they had fake IDs made, but likely they didn't bother to make sure the numbers were legit, so it should have been caught by Zillow).

I am sure a time will come when I wouldn't bother with a deal like this.

On the other hand, maybe they spend all the money they have just paying rent, and no matter what they do, it doesn't seem to help, so why bother?

I made that stat up, so don't bother Googling it, but I'd says it's fair since we know over half of American's can't handle a $400 emergency. 

@Lucas Howes Don't bother trying to talk to the lender involved especially if they are a big bank.

Law enforcement doesn't really bother with this type of stuff.The real problem here is the Craigslist platform for not providing any screening mechanism against these scammers.

Also, consider owner financing so you don't have to bother with property management from CA.

Account ClosedI honestly don't bother with NOI that much, but I thought its net operating expenses. 

It bothered me that I could physically see dollars coming and then physically see them going out just as fast.

If your going to do a lease and not enforce it why bother?