That doesn't mean you have to know as much as an expert practitioner, but it helps to know what an 'Index fund' or 'Cashflow play' is before you surrender money to it.2) Find someone older than you who you feel has done all the right things.

Collect keys when they surrender the unit, this is normally when it is vacated. 

Even if the PM pointed out to them they were breaking the lease, they would not necessarily have stayed.A PM checking them out (as they surrendered the property) would not necessarily remove their responsibility for the remainder of the lease, at least for landlord re-leasing expenses and rent up to the date the new tenant takes possession.

The seller did surrender its title and applied to declare the vehicle as real estate, but when I inspected the crawl space, it seems to be they just removed wheels, used concrete block as skirting and support underneath.  

If the tenant has vacated the property and legally surrendered possession then I believe that would fall under abandoned property.

The tenant broke the lease and your accounting of her deposit ( in Texas) would be due to her via US mail not more than 30 days after the surrender of the property. 

@Jonathan Beemer 1st and foremost - Thank you for serving OUR Country with me.  2nd I applaud your interest, drive and desire - Never Surrender HUA!!

My lease says, "The Tenant(s) shall, at their own expense and at all times, maintain premises in a clean and sanitary manner, and shall surrender the same at termination hereof, in as good condition as received, normal wear and tear excepted."

DIL (deed in lieu) means that you are agreeing to surrender the deed/ownership without going thru the foreclosure process.

Good buy and I like your attitude never give up never surrender buying right is the challenge for any area be patient let the seller come to your price good luck.