I get the sense that I am where I belong.

Tenant is placed, looks like she will be long term and happy with the outcome Lessons learned?

I think your first step is to determine the property lines and verify the fence belongs to you.

This morning i was notified that a tenants ex boyfriend broke into her apartment and broke some of her belongings.

I would start with examining the lease and have your tenant contact renters insurance asap for coverage of their belongings. 

I would use the $300 as leverage and just tell her as long as she takes all her belongings, cleans and is out by December 31st, that you will give her the money.

If you don't have that you probably don't have title and any improvements you make may be as a volunteer and belong to the true owner whoever that is. 

So, you sign a lease-option and the property still belongs to the seller.

And your parents should get renters insurance to cover their belongings.  

By the way, I belong to a Landlord MeetUp group, and we had someone from the office that developed and enforces the Just Housing Ordinance, and the speaker was shocked to learn that there wasn't a DIY screening service that met their requirements, and she didn't have any suggestions for us.