If you're up to training and caring for an animal, a dog is an excellent deterrent against unwanted strangers and intruders. 

You know the current landlord game to get rid of unwanted tenants is to give them glowing references so we should go back two or more.

NIMBY (not in my back yard) says people don't want to live next to an eyesore or other unpleasant situation, so the presence of a homeless camp is considered a negative in terms of driving down property values.

Even if you are in an area where people don't care, it will still call attention which will be unwanted by your assailant.

Will,Thanks, if you don't mind I will PM you with the details (and update this thread) as I get them.Rents are steady in the area at around $850 for 3 br units, this has 3/3, and conservative after repair market value is $175-200k.Not to get ahead of myself but...If it was to short sale, how would I position myself to be THE buyer and limit any unwanted competition?

If emotional attachment is an issue, or if the move is unwanted but necessary, the sellers agent might be able to speak to some of that, provided they seller has given permission.  

don't lie in general.if you approach this (or any other business) with the idea of gaining an edge by cheating - you'll be in for an unpleasant surprise.it's not to say that in business, people don't stray from following the book - the trick is to "create the book"...by making your own rules that don't violate the current ones...

I thought about the "natural" approach but know little that I do, I'm sure they can catch on that I would be seeking the knowledge they have experienced, by my series of questions.I don't want to come off creepy or unwanted while searching.

In this case, had prices not come back down significantly, it is unlikely that anyone with less than a 6-figure income could afford to buy a home in desirable markets today.There are many unpleasant events aside from financial recessions that cause devastation and suffering, but the alternative is the status quo.

Seems like a massive amount of risk inheriting a tenant to try and keep their $500... that $500 will be nothing in the grand scheme of owning a property and I would have gladly given that up (if you even get to keep it in the end) for someone to remove an unwanted tenant.