287 - Mastering Tenant Screening with Bud Evans

In this episode of the Real Estate Investor Growth Network Podcast, host Jen Josey welcomes back her "work husband" and REIGN Coach, Bud Evans. Bud shares his journey from a career in the military and public service to building a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio and leading a veteran-focused property management company. The conversation is packed with actionable strategies, real-world stories, and a healthy dose of humor as Bud and Jen dive into the systems and mindsets that drive success in real estate investing. Bud details his rigorous tenant screening process, including his unique 100-point scoring system and the integration of AI tools to streamline and safeguard property management. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, documentation, and systems—not just for legal protection, but for scaling a successful rental business. Bud also shares tips for landlords on lease clauses, maintenance responsibilities, and how to create standard operating procedures using innovative tools. The episode wraps up with Bud's "BADASS" insights, covering his favorite books, advice, systems, and what success means to him. He offers encouragement to take action, invest in education, and serve others—values that have shaped his own journey. Listeners are invited to connect with Bud for coaching, strategy sessions, or just to soak up more of his hard-earned wisdom. 00:00 Introduction to REIGN and Host Jen Josey 00:53 Badassery Bestowment: Finding Distressed Properties on Zillow 03:22 Guest Introduction: Meet Bud Evans 06:49 Bud Evans' Journey from Military to Real Estate 11:35 Tenant Screening: Importance and Strategies 15:35 The 100-Point Tenant Screening System 21:51 Incorporating AI in Tenant Screening 22:40 Privacy and Data Redaction in Tenant Management 23:29 AI in Financial Verification 24:30 Scoring and Approval Criteria for Tenants 25:09 AI Success Stories in Tenant Screening 27:00 Impact of AI on Vacancy Rates 27:36 Property Management and Self-Management Tips 29:11 Creating Effective Leases 34:47 Speaking Engagements and YouTube Channel 37:51 Personal Goals and Success Strategies 5 Key Takeaways

• Distressed Property Hunting: Use Zillow's keyword search (e.g., "fixer," "as is," "needs work"), filter by days on market, monitor price drops, scrutinize listing photos, and check public records to find hidden investment opportunities.
• Tenant Screening Systems: Implement a 100-point scoring system covering income stability, credit, criminal background, rental history, and file completeness. Consistency and documentation are essential to avoid legal pitfalls.
• Integrating AI: Utilize AI tools (like ChatGPT) for analyzing tenant applications, redacting sensitive info, and verifying income-to-expense ratios. AI can catch details humans might miss and streamline decision-making.
• Lease & Maintenance Tips: Customize leases to your market, include clauses for property showings before move-out, set a $250 repair threshold, and require proper documentation for pets. Use tools like Scribe to document your processes.
• Service and Systems Drive Success: Bud credits his achievements to serving others, investing in education, and leveraging systems like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) for business growth and team alignment.

Guest Bio: Bud Evans Bud Evans is a retired Air Force officer, former police officer, and mayor turned full-time real estate investor and business owner. He leads Second Street Property Management in South Jersey, managing hundreds of doors with a focus on affordability and service. Bud is also the founder of AIM High Properties and Enlisted 2 Entrepreneur, where he helps veterans and first responders transition into real estate. An educator at heart, Bud breaks down complex investing topics into actionable steps and is a sought-after coach, speaker, and advocate for systems-driven success. Books, Tools, and Websites Mentioned Books:

• Traction by Gino Wickman (and other works by Wickman/EOS)
• The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• The Four Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
• Profit First by David Richter

Tools & Websites:

• Zillow (for property searches)
• County GIS/public records
• ChatGPT (AI for screening)
• Scribe (process documentation tool) — scribe.com
• EOS One (Entrepreneurial Operating System management) — app.eosone.com
• Quicken (personal budgeting)
• PetScreening.com (pet documentation)
• Bud's YouTube: Enlisted 2 Entrepreneur
• Bud's website: budevans.com

🔗 Learn More & Connect with Jen Josey:https://www.therealjenjosey.com – Real estate investing resources, podcast episodes, and more.

👑 Join the REIGN Mastermind:https://www.reignmastermind.com – Network with real estate investors nationwide.

🔥 Stuff Jen Josey Loves (Recommended Tools & Resources):https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources – Handpicked tools, books, and services for real estate investors.

📚 Buy Jen Josey's Book: From Beginner to Badasshttps://a.co/d/bstKlby – Step-by-step guide to real estate investing success.

🏠 Grow Your Rental Portfolio with Jen's Coaching:https://rentalproppro.com/booking?am_id=reign – Book a session and scale your rental business.