When ANY tenants, Section 8 or not are properly screened you can mitigate the risk of nightmare tenants.

If you do decide to purchase the duplex and then rent out the other unit, definitely make sure you fully utilize a tenant screening service so you don't end up in a bad situation (might be worth looking into one that offers to list the unit, tenant screening, digital lease creation, online rent collection, and maintenance tracking).

@Irina Belkofer - you bring up a good point about the previous criminal records - it is important to screen tenants and know who is renting the property.So sad - I can't imagine what the kids are going through, and his poor wife.

Do you know if they did any toxicology screenings?

We have had to perform some minor repairs since we first purchased it but the tenants have been really good thanks to my wife's diligence during tenant screening.

I don't bother wasting time trying to screen difficult applicants.

Hi everyone,I finished up the rehab on my first rental property at the end of February and am already having major issues with my new tenants (despite using the screening techniques taught in The Book on Managing Rental Properties) . 

He was very upfront about this and introduced her to me to do an application/screening. 

How do you screen prospects?

What is the best way to affordably screen applicants?