If you look at their overall credit history and they had always been a dead beat, the chances are that they will remain to be dead beats and will either be late on their rent or not pay. 

A newbie has a 1 and 100 chance I'd guess.   

The market has been so crazy here that my rentals are gone within a day if I even get a chance to list them.

It is not for the faint of heart, and you will have a better chance of success if you treat it like a business and run it like one.God Bless You!

I'm in the process of narrowing my focus areas.Check out the podcasts when you get a chance!  

The person advertising the property might have it under contract, which gives them the equitable rights to the property.  

If you get a chance  head over to the new members forum and introduce yourself.  

Like has been said, you should pay them for the bid if they don't have much chance of getting the work.The costs vary by area, but there should be pretty standard rates for painting per sq/ft, hanging Sheetrock per board, carpet per yard, hanging cabinets by box, etc.

Some areas have more rentals, the more the merry, the better chance at renting fast.

You only have one chance to get this right.