Renters living out of the area

[Ron H.]

How do you handle potential renters that want to rent from you sight unseen or has anyone rented this way?  I have had several inquiries from people living in Puerto Rico that are in the process of moving to FL.  They want to line up a place to live before moving.  I have always done an informal pre-screen,  talked to people in person and then a formal background check before renting to get a good feel for them and am not fully comfortable renting sight unseen - however I don't want to turn down someone that passes a background check and seems to be a good fit.  I'm also not sure how good a background check is (Cozy?) for residents of Puerto Rico.  Note:  B class neighborhood.  Any suggestions?  Thanks