Buying an occupied forclosure

[Anthony Reyes]

Hi all, I am wondering how you approach a property purchased as foreclosure to find our if it’s occupied. Can I just show up, knock and if no one answer kick the door in? (I wish). If it is occupied how should I approach the person living there?

Would approaching them and trying a cash for keys deal work? Legally? or should the eviction process just be started immediately?

Said property is in Cleveland, Ohio

Thanks in advance.

[Ryan Evans]

Occupants are still going to have rights whether they are squatters, delinquent with rent, etc. You'll probably need to give a change of ownership notice and notice to vacate, then if they don't vacate you'll have to evict. An "on paper" cash for keys deal might give you a stronger case if they refuse to move, but you still have to do it by the book! 

Just storming in might put you at risk of getting sued or physically harmed, so this might be one for a local attorney to handle.