Multi-family properties are a much stronger investment in Tampa compared to condos, especially because of the headaches with condo HOA fees—out of the 3,500 transactions I’ve done over the past 20 years, the only long-term losses I’ve had were with condos.

IMO you're asking for trouble and there isn't enough of a potential loss to warrant a response. 

You win in real estate by never being forced to buy/sell or by taking the loss that can break you.

I’m considering hiring a lawyer to try and recover the cost of the repairs and potentially my extended holding costs.

@Gary - The first letter is a more "I'm so sorry for you loss, and I know firsthand just how difficult this is".

If you're going for non full documentation loans then there are other methods to qualify as well (rental income/ bank deposits/profit and loss/no income/etc) but these loans have higher rates and costs typically.

This negative position can consume years of cash flow to recover.

@Robin Thornton Whatever calculation you decide, make sure to include your insurance deductible on top of whatever you budget for repairs or vacancy loss.

However, you can expect to recover about 50-55% of your investment when selling the home.Improve curb appeal, clean up the exterior, add landscaping, and make minor improvements to enhance the property's first impression.

But that portion is small so even if they don’t pay and you do have to evict it’s not a huge loss.