Any advice from a California Landlord that's recently undergone an eviction?

[Shireen Y.]

I'm learning some hard lessons on my second rental property purchase here in California. I inherited 2 tenants that have refused to pay rent since closing on the property in late October. In late November I served a 60-day notice to vacate on the grounds of extensive remodeling. I also offered cash (triple their rent) in hopes they would vacate. By January 20th one of the two tenants refused to leave. Instead, the remaining tenant has allowed 5 other people to move into the property (I believe she's collecting rent from them). The tenant that did leave said they are destroying the property and stripping it to buy/sell meth. That they are armed and he was too scared to stay there anymore. I have called the cops and the Sherriff's office for help but they will not do anything. I asked if I could just at least find out the identification of everyone that is living in my home so that they can be served and charged for destruction of property, and both tell me it is a civil matter and to seek legal counsel (I do and that bill is just racking up without much progress). I know this story is just one of many, but is there something I am missing? Is there really no protection at all as a rental property owner and everyone just gets away without repercussions? Should I do monthly check-ins with future tenants to make sure no "Doe's" are residing in the property? I'm just curious if there's any advice that might slow down the gray hairs I've started to get from this messed up situation.