The landlord can then proceed with the eviction process in court if the tenant does not remit payment.

Many people say "I know for a fact none of my family has judgments" but family members regularly do not discuss their financial problems with other family members, may be unaware of legal issues and their standing, and there also could be fraud.You should also consider any prior spouses among the parties that ever lived at the property as a marital interest attachs regardless if they were on title unless resolved by express court decree (in which case former spouse should join the conveyance).An attorney is not required - though you will need a properly drafted deed, GITREP form, and affidavit of consideration to record.

Technically the tenant could contact escrow and instruct them to stop making payments, but the money would then be held by escrow until both parties agreed upon forward action or a court ordered action.

As long as the tenant receives it and signs a copy, you should be good.Certified Mail works because the Courts accept this as delivered even if the tenant never picks it up.

Small claims court maybe.

I opted to keep the building as rentals but had already obtained the 4 separate tax ID’s and recorded the HOA declaration.

Eviction in this county would not happen in the winter.I've never had to prove a smoker in court, so I can't guarantee results.

If it is an issue and you do not act in a timely manner AND there is some sort of legal action, then the courts will not look favorably on your response time. 

They have access to your county court house documents where you are encouraged to send out 200 letters a week to the leads you are given.

If they didn't give you this they broke the law and you could take them to court if that's your thing.