neighbor complaints may give you a lever...I believe the "no eviction" have an exception for criminal and dangerous behavior?

The problem is that those who are being approached with this offer are generally very, very busy, and don't want to slow down to take on a needy student (honestly, no offense).So, start on your own by taking initiative. 

. - get a copy of the tenant ID- do a move in walkthrough - confirm paperwork is compliant - explain fees, paperwork, and relationship to tenant - collect deposit - turn off utilities and lawn care from your name - send tenant breakdown of deductions from security deposit - look up tenant criminal history - perform tenant creeping Document Storage: I've used Google Drive for document storage forever. 

But upon a review of the criminal reports, they were actually from 6 and 9 years ago.  

But a complaint lodged with the DRE WILL bring action and it may include criminal charges..

Or .......Thats the one feature I think they're missing that would really provide the most value of anything they could do.No offense.

In many instances, you will not be able to run a credit history (although we can do this for U.S.A. and some European candidates) or criminal background check (it will either be impossible due to privacy laws or politics or impractical due to cost).   

Personally I would base my decision on job/income, credit history and criminal records.

I withdrew and threatened the Agent's license and criminal fraud - - you bet the deposit was returned and escrow closed post haste.Come on, we don't need to use these tactics to make an investment to cash flow.

Michael Wentzel  I am in the process of reaching this myself so interested in what experienced private lenders have to say but below are my notes from my research:Draft promissory note with loan termsDeed of trust or mortgage agreement whichever is required by State is recorded with first lien position which secures the lender’s interest (Title Company or Attorney)Appraisal paid for by the borrower but done by an appraiser I chooseGet 1003 loan application and a credit report on the borrowerDo a criminal background checkVerify that borrower has the cash reserves to carry through with jobVerify borrower past experience of successful flipsVerify realtor, broker license, etc.Detailed breakdown of the rehab.