And probably not doing your due diligence on them.What is their credit, criminal and eviction history? 

I called the police, an offer came out to the property, and told me to start a criminal trespassing case against him because they can't do anything about it until it's officially a criminal offense. 

Do a criminal background check.  

Then you pull up their facebook or criminal record and bam, big hairy surprise.

Avail has an application that is $55 (credit check, eviction history, income, criminal history, etc.), but Zillow has an application that is $29 and the potential tenant can use it for multiple properties within 30 days.

Yes, each of us are responsible for what we get into, problem is not everyone is responsible, goes for borrowers and lenders, both may cheat, engage in criminal and immoral activities, pretty much what laws in society are suppose to do is to provide guidance in expected conduct.Problem is you can't dictate morality.Bryan L. , you might as well take the tags off your vehicles, stop paying taxes and just prepare to suffer the consequences.

Criminal background?

@Matthew KreitzerAfter a quick glance, Texas and Iowa evictions are very similar in that the cases are handled at the small claims court(Justice of the Peace in Texas) These are informal courts and a landlord is just not going to get "bench slapped". 

Biggest organization of renters will happen in fall in LA some of the groups are national too so it applies to all statesHere's what they claim: This strategic statewide convening represents the historic growth of the power of renters to push for broad economic, racial and gender justice and advance a vision of an economy that works for families, communities and the environment, not billionaire real-estate tycoons, corporate landlords and Wall Street bankers.

I value my families safety over my financial well being and sometimes even people with clean records turn out to be criminals of the worst kind.