@Larry86 We all started out with no reviews, both hosts and guests. I've also accepted several guests with no reviews and they turned out to b fine guests. You also can't necessarily trust reviews- there's been host reports here of horrid guests they got, who, in fact, had several good reviews. Som hosts are reluctant to post a bad review, some are off site hosts with co-hosts, or property managment companies with scores or even hundreds oflistings who never even meet the guests, so unless the cleaners report damages or an over-the-top mess, the host leaves a generic good review.
What most hosts find is the best indicator of someone who will be a good guest is their communication pre or after booking (if you use IB). Do they respond to your messages in a timely fashion? Do they answer any questions you might pose to them, or ignore them, instead telling you all about their needs? Are they asking you for special extras, asking you to bend your house rules ("I know you say no pets, but my dog is small and really well-behaved"), or pushing for a discount? Are they friendly, tell you something about themselves and why they are coming to your area, compliment you on what looks to them like a lovely place?
Of course you have every right to require reviews if you use IB, as mentioned above. But you don't necessarily have to be afraid of guests with no reviews- just learn how to ask the right questions, develop good vetting procedures and how to recognize "red flag guests".
