You are in a vulnerable position at the moment and I do not think it is wise to make decisions based on emotion versus logic.

Get ARMED with information and under no circumstances, get into an argument or verbal-shouting match (I know it's tempting) with them as they can become emotional and you have to walk a very DELICATE line when dealing with problem tenants like this.I'm NOT providing legal advice: but if you have a lease (contract law) and they are in default, it doesn't take a genius to decipher who is in the wrong.

Sorry it didn't work out, as you obviously had a lot emotionally invested in it up to this point.  

I will remember that next time I am looking at a house- sometimes emotions speak louder than dollars.Looking forward to the pictures and more news of your progress.

Breaking multiple windows, breaking a television, and staying away for that long a time is not something most emotionally stable husbands would do in a stable relationship with young children in the household. 

But, you simply can't afford to get emotional when trying to make an investment of this sort.

It’s a powerful strategy because it helps to solve one of the biggest challenges that flippers face: Becoming too emotionally attached to their deals.

I posted an NYT article below that touches on the emotional side of the issue, however, I am interested in discussing the legal, economical, and business related aspects of AFFH. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/09/us/a-year-after-...

Small percentage of occurring but big headache emotionally and financially if it does happen.

Talking to the attorneys may be the best means as they don't have the emotion of losing a loved one.