Are you going to hire someone to make sure the corporate formalities are upheld?  

If it was a non-judicial state, did you file a TRO or something? 

But I'd like something more formal and user-friendly for tenants and guests.

If they continue smoking despite the warning, you can then serve them a formal notice addressing the problem.

However there is no formal lease in place.

For foreclosures, it's important to what type of foreclosure state you're in: judicial or non-judicial. 

I just cannot understand why he wants me to talk to a realtor that he hasn’t signed anything formally yet unless they are trying to be the “problem solver” as well.

@Tim DiMario- thanks and welcome ...I would recommend getting formally pre approved for a hypotehtical scenario with a lender ...This process will help get you organized / prepared and its free ...you will also learn a lot ....if you never  buy anything or dont buy anything for soem time - its  OK ...good luck

MN law also allows tenants the right to “pay and stay” if we begin the formal eviction process.

thanks ...if you havent already  done so - get a formal loan pre approval completed to make sure you have the financing needed for your plans