The contractor actually gets PUNISHED for being efficient and spending thousands of dollars on tools to make him more efficient.

My question is it seems like proceeding with an eviction (unlawful detainer) doesn't make sense as they've already vacated.

That's mortgage fraud, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, felony record for life, etc.

These types of activities, in addition to being frowned upon/punishable by the real estate commission, often lead to lawsuits which is why I believe most experienced agents avoid them.

The banks really do not want the listing agent to represent the buyers, so they kind of punish them by NOT giving them the buyer agent's 3%. 

It may cost you more time and money to formally evict but it's the right thing to do for the sake of Landlords everywhere and it actually punishes the tenant for their bad behavior.I don't believe in paying a tenant to leave but I have offered to "forgive" money owed if they get out and keep me from having to go through the court system. 

She is living, unlawfully, in a property that she doesnt own.

Sometimes, this makes me a glutton for punishment (like this deal), but it almost always ends up with a beautiful house at the end!

Sometimes, this makes me a glutton for punishment (like this deal), but it almost always ends up with a beautiful house at the end!

Let's be clear: There is a big difference between 1) Representing that you own a property while not having ownership or equitable interest in it (which is an unlawful & punishable act) (This is very Bad) 2) Representing that you have a validly signed contract and you are assigning the contract, which is legal.