(b) For purposes of this section, a tenant's personal property is considered abandoned if a reasonable person would conclude that the tenant has vacated the premises and has surrendered possession of the personal property.

By collecting the rents from these tenants this allowed us to understand their situation and work with them and their relatives in regards to paying their rent and we never had a problem where a tenant passed away and did not pay their rent until their possessions were moved out. 

I'd like to take possession as soon as possible.  

The paperwork shouldn't be too difficult and the process goes like this in Virginia:1) Post a 5-day pay or quit notice on the door (can find examples of what this should look like online)2) After 5 days, if they have not moved out or paid, go to general district court and fill out the eviction form (Unlawful Detainer), pay the fee, and get a court date3) Show up to court and explain what had happened4) If the judge is nice he will give you immediate possession5) Possession is not immediately yours until the sheriff shows up!

She has possession as of that day.

First I would need to go through the the legal process to take possession of the note(s) that were put up as collateral.

Offer the seller a percent of the equity.Don't forget - disclosures - soft contingency - possession - legal assignment agreements

I got possession a week later.

Does that mean the current state of the property when I take possession is the state against which I'll compare the move-out condition?

Is there a right of possession, is there a built in extension?