New Deplex/New Investor/Tenant Screening Help

[Sam Bialowas]

Hello BP, So I just made an offer on a duplex in Norfolk Va, the seller accepted and we are just finalizing the deal. Im only 21 and this is my very first investment deal and I'm not sure how to go about some things. The duplex is two bed, 1 bath. I'll be house hacking one side since its on a VA loan and renting the other. It's in a great neighborhood and only three blocks from the beach front. My point here is I have no idea how to run a screening process and what all I need to do before I accept tenants. I've heard to do back ground checks and credit score checks. Is that all? How do I go about doing that? How much will it cost me? Is there something I need to be aware of? Please please please feel free to give me feedback! I welcome all the help I can get. Thank you Sam

[Debra R.]

- go to the tools tab on BP, choose tenant screening 

- search "tenant screening" on BP

-look for a local landlord association - they may have all the forms you need, will be able to answer questions and may have tenant screening.  I joined one for my first year of landlording and even at $300 it was worth it. 

- and  

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/rental-applications-and-tenant-screening