Find his other job sites and go talk to the homeowners, if he is doing it to you he is doing it to others, scammers be scammin.strength in numbers, get the homeowners together and see what you can do. other than that you are stuck to the legal system which you will spend 20-30k to get paid by him and he knows it, your first time and his operation procedure= no bueno .

Generally speaking operate the LLC like a business, follow the operating agreement procedures, properly fund the LLC for the business operations you intend on performing and avoid commingling of  funds.

The attorney can also then assist you with creating the following compliant with all federal, state and local laws:1) Rental Application2) Lease & Pet Addendum3) Renewal documents4) Nonpayment Warning Letters5) Eviction Letters & Notices6) Legal Entry Notices7) Security Deposit & Release of Liability Letters8) Vendor Contracts with insurance and other requirements9) MoveIn & MoveOut Procedures to Share with Tenants10) Etc.Hope this helps!

When we were small and essentially self managing our own properties I used to do something different for each person depending on their attitude, the situation, etc.Since we have grown and have employees we had to make standard operating procedure and have to stick to it. 

County and law school libraries also have examples of forms and procedures.

What is the correct procedure if the property is empty by March 1st but I never got the keys back?

Depending on the location in NY there will be a different tolerance "strictness" when it comes to following the eviction procedure.

Yes, one can, but the procedure is complicated.

I think in VA if it's in question, I have to post notice that tenant must notify me in writing within 7 days if they intend to stay and if no response, I can assume it's abandoned and follow next procedures for turnover and security deposit. 

So going over the lease and the duties and responsibilities while we sign it is part of our onboarding procedure and tenant training!