Before you do that set your criteria for how you are going to screen your applicants.

I'm wondering if you have a good system of tenant screening and such for the people who will be living on your property! 

A lien is a payment obligation that has been attached to real property -- either through the recording process (in the case of a mortgage, deed of trust, mechanics lien, etc.) or pursuant to local law such as by the entry of a judgment, issuance of a water/sewer or tax bill, etc.A foreclosure is what the lien holder does to enforce the lien in order to obtain payment -- this is done through a forced sale of the property.

He needs it for his records, and occasionally, maybe every 3 years or so the insurance person wants it. 

How do you screen without checking criminal history?

You can also access public records such as deeds and assessor data. 

I do not believe that agents are motivated to do the best job in finding and screening the right applicant.

I particularly enjoy browsing through county records although I'm not sure if it's the most effective method.

Once you have proof of concept, you can present a business plan with personal case studies to these businessmen.Another option is to find a partner who has the track record that you can leverage.

My final thought is to thoroughly tenant screen everyone (who is 18 or older) that will be living in the unit.