I'm new landlord any suggestions on what I need to do to rent an apartment check credit reports etc?

I highly recommend using an application like Cozy. I use it for all of my rentals and find it incredibly valuable. You can screen credit and run criminal background reports at the applicant's expense, advertise through the portal, and even use it for rent collection.

All of my tenants pay through Cozy's online portal, so my transactions are relatively seamless and I'm notified immediately when they go through. No late rent issues when it's digital.

I do recommend doing the extra leg work and contacting previous landlords/property management companies. I also recommend having defined criteria for what is/isn't acceptable when it comes to someone applying. Is it ok if they've paid their rent late once or twice in the last five years? How do you feel about renting to someone with a criminal record? Is there a specific credit score you don't want to go below? Know what you're looking for BEFORE you start taking applications. 

Also, spend the time/money to get yourself a solid lease. Learn that lease inside out and backwards. That lease protects you and your rights. If you're looking for a general lease to use (and you're in the US) the National Apartment Association has general leases specific to your state that can easily be accessed. 

Thanks for all suggestion most were good except one.

If you rent to a male you generally see what you are getting. If you rent to a female you are only seeing half of what you are getting.

Hang your head in shame. Landlords should all be arrested. Money grabbing idiots, pushing up home prices. A home is not an investment, you money grabbing idiot!!

call previous landlords. Be aware that some sleazy tenants will lie and give you the names of friends instead who will claim to be former landlords and will say they're great tenants.

if your going to do a legal lease then you need to do all that .. otherwise just size them up, they either have the money or they start talking sht .. if they got money just let them know that 'this' day every month its due no exceptions or they have to be replaced, and theres this and that conditions no pets, no off road race tracks around the house .. whatever you wont tolerate let them know up front but keep the list to the few main things .. mainly, dont expect them to just be thoughtful and respectful, when it comes to money they'll look at it like theyve paid you a couple of times therefore can do anything they want .. no .. no parking is here, no cigs in the house .. blah blah .. you get the drift ..