First time landlord Renting to Section 8

[Megan Tyberg]

I bought my first 4 unit investment property in Columbus OH. All units are occupied except one which I am working on leasing out now. A potential section 8 tenant applied today who is unemployed, with $5K in collections from various companies and a 580 credit score. My PM said not to worry because the government pays his rent, but I am concerned that he has no job and makes $900/month in SSI. I thought the tenant still needs to pay a portion of the rent himself? 

Is this profile typical with all section 8 tenants? I would really prefer a section 8 tenant that is employed with little to no debt (that is in collections). What other things should I be looking for?

[Kerlous Tadres]