You could ask for a screen shot that the appraisal is ordered, as well. 

My gut feeling says you probably won't get all of the rent, and they'll be out by the first.The most costly expense is a bad tenant, so once they are gone, make sure to screen your next tenants properly.

The goal is, or should be to secure income, so if the concern before you even rent is that you might have to evict a tenant, the focus should be on screening and qualifying potential tenants so as to try to minimize, as much as possible, the probability of renting to a troublesome tenant in the first place.

I need to find a cheap/free way to get a phone number with a main voicemail greeting which I can then have branch off to different mailboxes where I will provide specific information about the selected house.

Most tenants do not have an issue supplying them.If you are developing a tenant screening app you would need to remember who your customer is, the landlord, not the tenant.

James, Welcome to BP. you have come to the right place to learn, start with the Education section at the top of your screen, listen to some podcasts and read some blogs, those will get you going.

I am at the point where I am trying to figure out the best way to screen my tenants / do background checks.

If you need an air conditioner repaired or a roof replaced, a PM will tack on 10-20% of the cost of the repair .. just for making the phone call. 

Just make sure to carefully screen them by calling their previous landlord.

I have done a few deals with a business partner for private lenders (as well as national mortgage companies)We can do a phone conference or even meet for coffee/lunch etc