Can a property manager help me avoid bad tenants?

Typically bad tenants will target owner-managed rentals because they can't pass muster with property managers. They know that when a property is for rent by owner the rent will be less and there will be less scrutiny of their financial situation. Because bad tenants can't be evicted without notice and an eviction can take months and cost you money, property managers will track references and do their utmost to avoid potential bad tenants and associated eviction problems.