Auction.com REO, occupied, first foreclosure, would love help

[Amy Osterberg]

Recently won an auction.com house - lower than the reserve, but wells fargo said yes to my offer.  I'm not currently in the same state as the property (have been at our FL house since bidding on the house), but my husband did some recon in Boone NC and talked with a neighbor.  The occupant is not the original owner - they skipped town when their business went under.  There are now squatters in the house.  I suppose they could have a lease?  But I think since the original owner is completely gone , skipped town and owes even his neighbors money - I doubt he's leased the house out.

I have hired someone to handle an eviction for me before... (although that was in Charlotte and I'm not sure he'll travel to this house - 2 hours away).  Could someone spell out the recommendations step by step?  I don't have any idea who these people are - do I just post a notice on the door?  Any way to find out who is living there?  My husband did get a photo of the license plate.  

I've tried to read here as much as possible, so I understand I might try the "cash for keys" approach.  I maybe can also call the sheriff and state there are trespassers... but from the photos they have a LOT of stuff there.  They run a business collecting junk furniture - so I imagine the house could be full.  I supposed I can also send them some very official sounding letter about needing to vacate the premises.  Does anyone else get nervous the people might be violent?  Am I just being a chicken?  

Any other recommendations?  Closing is in 3 weeks...  just planning ahead.  Anything I can do now to speed this along?