Inherited tenants in new duplex

[Kim Herrick]

This is such a rookie question but I have to ask it anyway.  I am going to close on a duplex and I just found out the tenants are a month and a half behind in their rent.  It is an estate sale so I am not sure if they are just taking advantage of the situation or if this is typica behavior. 

The other unit is vacant and the current tenant is out of their rental agreement and MTM.  I guess I am nervous to go into this with negative cash flow off the bat.  Should I ask them to leave and just look to fill both units fresh?  Or take the risk for a month and see if they pay me, or would you run for the hills and pass on this all together? 

Any advice or accounts from previous experience will be well received!

[Ryan Murdock]

Start the eviction proceedings as soon as you are legally able to do so.  Gauge the tenant's response and proceed accordingly. If they pay and get with the program you may want to keep them. If they don't pay you'll be glad you acted quickly to get rid of them.