If not, ride out the 12 months with the hard money lender.People have to make good choices and not over extend themselves just for the sake of buying something they really can't afford or that doesn't make good cash flow.

I’ve never actually been legally owed money before so I was green on how to handle things while trying to be understanding and respecting other lifestyles and career choices.

We get just as frustrated because the system is a bit "broken":(I believe the team is in communication with you about your options - just be sure to also let us know your choice to secure the property to deter squatters as cost-effectively as possible.

Consult with competent legal counsel to guide you regardless of your choice here.

I would then interview a few and make a choice as to what one to move forward with.

Just like most things in life there are good and bad to both choices. 

Whether you choose to run screening before you show the unit to them is a personal choice. 

Hi, yes Ohio is a great choice for investing in real estate.

How does one define design choices, etc?

You have three choices...transfer the property and keep the loan in tact hoping they won't trigger due on sale, refinance into a loan that allows it, or simply leave things as they are.