I’m on my way to court shortly to evict a tenant.

If things ever go really poorly and you end up in court, you'll really wish that all of this was in writing. 

In cases of court evictions, collections or judgements, are copies of their gov't IDs, address, birthdays, enough? 

I'm not sure how California law works but in my state of Oklahoma the first step is to get a judgement against the tenant in small claims court.

We then lost the auction 3 days later because they appealed to the court about the bankruptcy.  

I like being a staple at the court house it’s almost the same attorneys.

After that I think you can go to court to appeal.If you house has a vacant house notice then the water dept is required by law to turn off the water and you should not have to pay for water.

Do you purchase properties as a function of your savings and affordability or do you target specific purchase price?

Only the first option requires a new deed.However, for a note, a more common way is to give him a mortgage to secure the note, and you'd record the mortgage at the court house.

And I will follow up with arbitration or small claim court if the contractor does not comply.