It's amazing how many tenants will claim they never got the letter/email about the change and claim they paid rent to the "last guy." 

"$995 for a local apartment complex for which he claims never to have lived at.I am very new to this whole process so I have not seen many different cases or scenarios pertaining to screening or anything, but I can't seem to figure out how someone can be a previous home owner, approaching retirement, with 3 years credit history.

If they opt not to accept the property by declining to timely give you a non-refundable reservation fee or actually sign the lease with a full security deposit and first month's rent THEN AND ONLY THEN should you process the next applicant.You should not process multiple people and select one subjectively; you're asking for trouble with fair housing when someone claims they were discriminated against.Offer the property to the first one that applies that meets your written standards for qualification.

However, insurance claims can be and are denied.

The landscaper claimed he had them on a list to come back from a year prior when they was never requested.

What are the IRS rules for claiming tax deductions related to rehabs? 

If they claim someone must have tried to break in, then request the Police report number so you can get a copy for your records.

There are a few Canadian websites which "claim" to provide lists of foreclosed properties and charge a monthly fee for access.

There's so much info online now.I'll add one other tidbit to think about: If an investor claims they want to buy a $50-$150k rental, how serious are they if they can't afford, or see the value of paying a nominal upfront fee?

I am sure we have all played the insurance game and it can be quite frustrating trying to collect for what you need to replace or repair.A cost segregation study can serve as a substantive document that an owner can use as support to a claim that is being disputed to their favor.