(screening a rental neighborhood) spend a few minutes poking through the neighbors garbage.  

Life stinks as a landlord until you learn to buy right and screen right ... once you figure that out, life is good :) If you don't figure that out, then I guess you answer one of @Shawn M.'

I wish that someone would have impressed upon me the importance of screening your tenants.

Make sure there is mesh screen behind the gable vents and other vents, as these are the most common entrances.

It is simply a rule of thumb for a quick screening filter, no more, no less. 

Best practices to consider when working with a turnkey operator is to discuss the construction method and methodologies, tenant screening policies, view copies of the rental agreements and management agreements.

Find out what screening process, if any, the HOA has in place and if it is adhered to. 

You collect the rent, you do the repairs, you screen the tenants, etc....  

The other thing to mention is that you are not likely to pass through their screening process without a track record, so if you're starting out you will likely need to go the friends and family route until you've shown some successful returns.

Ask how they deal with late rent, turnovers, security deposit deductions, application screening, lease violations, lawn maintenance, how often they inspect, lease renewals or extensions, etc.