Evicting in Memphis, TN Help!

[Stacy McGee]

I bought a duplex a month ago and inherited a tenant on each side. One tenant has paid the rent on time but one tenant is missing in action, unresponsive to phone calls and won't pay. Today is the 7th and still no sign of said tenant. What is the first step I need to take to stand firm on receiving payment? I don't want to handle the first occurrence ineffectively and overall send the wrong message. I am new to being a landlord and want to familiarize myself with TN laws. What sites should I read up on? Should I immediately get an attorney? What steps should I take at this point to ensure I am going about this the right way. Any and all help is appreciated. 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Stacy McGee:

If you want to be a successful landlord, you need to learn your laws. The best time to prepare for a problem is before the problem rears its ugly head. You waited until the problem was at your doorstep, and you are now behind the 8-ball. I'm not saying that to make you feel bad; I want you to use this as a learning opportunity. Educate yourself and prepare for the worst-case scenario before the problem actually occurs.

Here's a resource: https://www.kickemoutquick.com/MEMPHIS_TENNESSEE_EVICTION_PR...

Read up on that, understand it, and then start taking action. If you don't feel comfortable, hire them to handle it for you.

I would post notice and start the eviction process. However, they may have stopped talking to you because they abandoned the unit and moved away. It's important to visit the property and verify whether they even live there any more. Take someone with you for safety and as a witness. Talk to the neighbors, observe from outside, peek in the windows, beat on the door, enter the unit, or whatever. It's quite common that tenants will stop paying rent and communicating because they've packed up and left without telling you.