(had newspaper ads to prove it) It was subsequently tax assessed at significantly more than what I paid for it (paid ask) and I contested it all the way to the state tax tribunal and lost.

After that, you can collect the subsequent month's rent however your lease allows (personal check, electronic transfer, etc). 

Here we are able to serve a Notice to Vacate the day after rent is due - this gives the tenant 7-days to pay or 15-days to move out (the first time they are served ... on subsequent occurrences they have 7-days to pay and 15-days to move).  

Also, if the current situation is month to month (which I suspect it is), I would appreciate any advice on how to best handle the screening and subsequent actions for that situation as well.Thanks in advance.

Rent around $2,000If we put 20% down payment, and assuming expense is 40% of rent and loan is 4.75% for 30-year, thenDown payment = $40,000NOI = $1,200 / monthPrincipal reduction = $2468 for year 1Cash Flow = $4392 for year 1Appreciation = $8000 for year 1ROI is a very healthy 37% for year 1, and will increase in subsequent years.I understand if we buy cheaper houses (let's say $100,000), then the ROI can be higher.  

The main difference now is instead of your property carrying a $60,000 mortgage, it carries a refinanced $98,000, limiting your cash flow but freeing up your line of credit for any subsequent purchases.

(I noted in Health Dept letters that the county had a moratorium on new lots when owner at the time wanted to do a subsequent expansion, so the 25 lot opportunity sounds exciting). 

I have subsequently cashed out a few, but most of what I own is free and clear.

Don't get me wrong; demographics, jobs, affordability, population growth etc. are all very important, but the details of the individual property itself and subsequent management/execution of the plan are most important. 

They never want to pay the subsequent year taxes.