1. It isn’t hard to serve a random upper-middle American unless they are on some survivalist compound or far outside of even a small city. Process servers cost $40-150, with $70 about average. They are one of the few things that are cheaper in big cities. I won’t pay more than $50 in LA/SF, but Iowa or something $100 would be fine. You get back the cost of service when you win the case because it is a “taxable cost.”

2. Signing a contract relating to an Arizona rental is consenting to Arizona’s courts if there’s a dispute. If they are aware you’re in California, there’s a case you can just do it in San Diego small claims court, but it would be safer if you want to do that to explicitly put “guarantor consents to the jurisdiction of both California and Arizona courts” into the contract. The California court though can’t evict anyone, but can award you a judgment.

3. Good credit history is a good overall sign. For additional security, require the first and last month be paid in advance, in addition to the regular security deposit.