The courts will handle service via e-mail and delivery to the unit.

Focus on key areas first (like floors, walls, kitchen, or bathroom), which may help you handle the costs more gradually, even if it means moving in furniture or updating fixtures down the line.Also, since the tenant left it in rough shape, be sure to document all the damage (photos, receipts) in case you decide to pursue reimbursement through their security deposit or in court.

Or, are you looking to invest for passive income and let someone else handle ownership and management? 

If things get tricky, consulting a local attorney experienced in landlord-tenant issues can help you handle the situation properly.

Hi Allende, my firm handles property management here in Miami.

Trustworthy property managers can make or break a portfolio, and I’ve found that vetting them carefully—checking their reviews, local reputation, and how they handle tenant retention—is crucial.

As the investor gains experience, they are not only able to more successfully foresee the “bumps” along the way, able to handle recessions, temporary negative cash flow, unforeseen capital expenditures without panicking, but will also recognize the opportunities necessary to turn a loss into a break even.

I'm starting to build the foundation so that when I get this experience I'll be ready and able to handle the business.  

I’ve handled almost every aspect of renovations myself—plumbing, tiling, painting, drywall, and general construction.

The PMS around here are pretty terrible, I've worked with a lot of the larger ones in Cleveland and I think they just take on more properties than they can effectively handle and don't hire enough additional employees to make it work.