Stick to the commonly used instruments and procedures.

Sometimes they put stickers on buildings simply because the water has been turned off for a couple months and there could be nothing wrong with the building. city of Chicago records building violations, flags that the house is vacant but only in certain instances (very few) decides to post the sign. so the sign is not a standard procedure, but an exception.

This could easily happen again so I have been working on a preventive maintenance procedure.  

I'm sure @James Wise knows his stuff for Cleveland proper and the West side as he deals with it day in and day out but others may / do have slightly different procedures / rulesIn the city of East Cleveland; - Serve the 3 Day notice (assuming like James simple non-payment of rent)- File on Tenant (you usually get a court date within 2-3 weeks), cost $155 I believe- In court, show that there is a lease and there is non-payment (I've actually sat in on this and watched the property manager / eviction lawyer basically read a script covering all the legal points)- Judge will usually give 7 - 10 days for tenant to get out (with or without stuff) OR get landlord to accept payment (even if payment is offered many landlords decline as they don't want the tenant)- On eviction day (if the tenant is not already out), court officials show up to remove the tenant at which point you can change the lock.

Any thoughts on best procedures would be appreciated TIA

You don't want to mess up the procedures because it will result in delays or a judge will allow a tenant to buy more time as in 30 days or more beyond the normal expected process because you didn't follow the correct procedures.

But they are constantly tweaking their procedures.  

It's super important to rely on local attorneys that know that state's laws and procedures.

Repetitious steps or procedures teach us a process.

What is standard operating procedure in getting new leases with them.