@Sheila187 By vetting I mean looking at any reviews the prospective guest might have, being aware of red flags, like guests asking for discounts or for you to bend your house rules, guests sending uninformative, impolite messages, such as instead of saying something like " We just found your listing and it looks beautiful. We're real nature-lovers who like to walk and hike and explore. My husband and I would be coming with our grown daughter and son-in-law and their 4 year old", they write "What speed is the Wifi?"
If I get messages like the last example, I will write back asking them some questions to jog them into a more informative response, and if they are Airbnb newbies, might let them know that hosts like to know something about the guests, and whether they have thoroughly read through all the listing info, cancellation policy, etc. In most cases, that has illicited a better, more forthcoming response.
And your reply to their initial message can also contain reiterating info that your max guest count is 6 and that no one else is allowed on the property. This would be especially important if they mention they have family or friends in the area. You don't want them thinking they can invite 10 more people over for a barbeque. Also remind them that all guests who will be coming need to be accounted for on the reservation- if you get a request for 2 guests when your house sleeps 6, they could be trying to get around any extra guest fee, plus you need to know how many beds to make up, etc.
And some newbie guests think they can book for 1 and bring an additional 5, just because it says up to 6.
Since you live on the property, you should not opt for self-check-in. Guests who misrepresent their intentions planning to throw a party or arrive with 15 people look for properties where they think no one will know how many are there. You can put a keypad or some other type of electronic entry on the door but don't give them the code until after you have personally checked them in.
I've also had wonderful guests in my private room listing. Never a bad one. But I know larger, stand alone homes that house more than one or two require a different approach.