Why not make sure all the windows open and have screens, and offer to rent them a portable AC for $25 a month additionally($300 portable unit pays for itself in 1 year).Fenced yard may get you additional monthly pet fees.

However, as you grow and add more properties, it becomes much more cumbersome to use a larger bank, because you are only a name on a computer screen and they really cannot offer any deals on account fees and other cash management tools you might need.The smaller community banks will work with you to customize your banking account packages to make sure it works specifically for you. 

The seller agreed to a showing, the prospective tenant loved the place and cleared screening with flying colours. 24 hours later she had paid first and last month's rent in full and signed the lease.

The 'rule' is as everyone else has stated just a guideline / quick screening method so that you do not waste your time.

They also posted on their facebook page Tuesday that they now offer screening, but their website doesn't really talk about it much as far as cost and whatnot. 

I would not let them stay unless they qualify as any other tenant, including paying the application fee and being screened, and then have them added to the lease.  

It looks ugly because there is no screen and the mantle looks like it's out of whack.

The numbers look great on the deal but finding quality tenants who can pass screening is going to be an issue.

For example, let's say you got a really bad tenant (even though you thoroughly screened him).

There is very active discussions on handling reservations, screening, taking credit card payments, handling foreign reservations, gift baskets, how to manage the locks (high turnover so keys are a problem), cleaning and maintenance ideas, etc.WARNING: The list is mostly about the operational aspects of a VR business.