@Kenny Charles,We get all of our tenant/buyers screened with @Paul Ritter and ScreenTheTenant.com. 

With good pre screening on potential tenants you should come out good.

Hi Guys,I wanted to post some interesting articles I found about tenant screenings.

Screen your tenants and collect rent.

It's just as hard to find good management, however, as it is to find a good tenant, so if you take the time to do the research and know your rights -- landlord/tenant, fair housing, screening tenants, hardening your rentals, etc., then you'll benefit moving forward.

I check on past landlord history and have applicants provide verification of income -- bank statements showing direct deposits, statement of pension benefits, or signed employer verification form if still working, and contact landlords and employers before I have applicant pay tenant screening service directly for credit/background check. 

If the agent is still screening the applicant, putting them under contract, or doing other work on your behalf, then you should pay them.If you found the tenant and take it back over, you shouldn't have to pay.But all this depends on what your written agreement says.

If your seriously considering it, I would proactively start the process of screening prospective tenants.

The people that get past my pre-screening really have their act together. 

So, I really just want to come here to see if you guys can help me minimize surprises when becoming a new landlord.I would hate for the home to be repossessed, or have any laws broken so I am trying to bulletproof my plan.I have considered1) Screening for a good tenant and possibly a property manager2) Putting away money for repairs and surprises3) Looking at the tenant-landlord laws in my area4)Creating leases and collecting rent5)Thinking about the property, city, and state taxAm I missing anything else?