House Hacking an Occupied SMF

[Shaun Collins]

Hey everyone! First time posting in the forums and I'm sure this has been asked but was unable to find solid answers with an initial search, and I know with COVID eviction laws have been continually changing so I felt a more current post was needed. I'm looking to house hack (FHA) an SMF in Fresno, CA and while I see a variety of properties pop up within my budget, many have all the units occupied with month to month leases. On top of that many of these rents are well under market (in general, not because COVID) but if raised to match over time would be provide great returns. I'm no lawyer so hopefully you all can help me out with not only the questions I have below but advice in general for my situation at this current time. This all goes with saying that I really don't like the idea of "forcing" people out of their homes especially during times like these and cash-for-keys is always a great option to keep them on their feet and into a new home, I'm just genuinely curious about the laws here in California..

-If the seller refuses to serve notice as part of the sale, I would need to serve the 60 day notice myself right after close but that would still risk having me move in after the 60 day FHA window, and I would need a valid reason for notice correct? Is the requirement of an FHA loan to move in within 60 days valid enough a reason to serve notice or not renew a month to month lease?

-Besides cash for keys what would be some of my other options that could get myself in one of the units within 60 days of close?

-What is everyone's experience with cash-for-keys? I wouldn't want to bank on that option only to close and none of the tenants are open to moving out even for a chest of cash.

-IF I do get in one of the units of a duplex for example and would like to renovate the other unit and get that rent up to market, do I have the opportunity to not renew the other lease so I can perform the work and put it back on the market for a new tenant or do I have do the work with the tenant still under lease, start raising the rent per California's limits and hope they move out on their own?

Appreciate the help all!