I owned an older property, and tree root issues over time caused backups to the sewer line to the city sewer system, and I had to hire Roto Rooter to come with special equipment, camera to check out sewer lines.

That was my first red flag.

If they do, then they SHOULD be on the credit report, so the red flags raised by a blank report will only grow.

Is this a red flag? 

The red-hot housing market has achieved a number of milestones this past year.

If they have passed the screening and background checks and you don't see any red flags, I don't see why accepting 1 year rent would be a bad option.

You've got one more fan here rooting for you to get to 200+ doors. 

Flow of money from the exchange to you is a major red flag if audited. 

Put an offer on a house in Prescott, AZ (red hot market like so many others right now).

RED FLAG!