You know, I'm not a big fan of Facebook, but this site should use it for vetting. You don't know much from a name, picture, and some attributes, but in all honesty I'd be more inclined to trust someone (at least to not be a psycho killer) after looking at their drunk pictures and wall posts than anything any central authority could issue.
Life is more interesting when you don't assume that strangers showing kindness are going to hack you into pieces and throw you into a dumpster. Always take candy from strangers. And smile.
Well, those houses being rented out seem to be in the range of ~$3000/week. That's what's nuts. There would be more people going that route if that price wasn't so high.
Reminds me of this craig's list ad:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/nyc/907788944.html