Background:  My first deal and it's been a bear to say the least. 

Quick background: It’s a single family home in a “just ok” neighborhood.

I suppose i should give a better background so you understand my project.I'm purchasing a 1650 sq. ft. duplex and plan to completely repaint the interior and about 50% of the exterior.

A short background - I bought this property in 2016 and transferred it from my name to an LLC last year.

Request the applicants to pay the $40 per person fee and get a usable credit report and background check.As for the other typical applications components: a good application to rent, 3 months of paycheck stubs, California Drivers License and Social Security Card.The C.A.R. forms (application or lease) are solid, though you may need a realtor to help getting you copies.

Thank you, Mark.This might be pretty helpful for someone dealing with international fund/clients.Also I have very strong quantitative background (PhD, Math) that would be helpful as well :)

Also, if you do things the old-fashioned way and aren't running background checks or credit checks then you might get a tenant with a criminal background or who won't be able to pay rent on time - this is where property management can solve most of those issues and basically make the process easier for both landlords and tenants!

Be prepared for anything and do background checks on them before purchase.

Some of these guys are posting these horrific blurry photos that look like there should be a yeti in the background.  

The money you pay for a professional is more than worth it, especially when considering the risk of doing it yourself without that background and experience (I'm assuming here that you don't do evictions for a living).