I did find that the CDC completely overstepped its authority and ordered a blanket national moratorium on evictions until December 31, but at this point, I still had not received any official CDC Declaration from my tenant.So I responded that he's made no effort to pay or to provide evidence that he will pay and that I would be filing the unlawful detainer the next day.

If the tenant fails to make this payment, an unlawful detainer (eviction) can be filed against them beginning February 1, 2021. 

Give you benefit that is unlawful (mostly relevant in cases of self-directed IRAs and 401ks, but it's worth considering).So long as you document things properly and make sure it is above board by speaking to a tax attorney and/or your CPA it could work out interestingly :) 

I don’t know why you’re being advised to go through an eviction based on the circumstances you presented.You wouldn’t file an eviction against a tenant who has stated they’re moving out, and then voluntarily moved out and returned the keys as agreed.An eviction (unlawful detainer action) is only done to recover possession of a property that someone is refusing to voluntarily return to you.If you still need to recover money from them after they’re out, then you typically go through small claims.

It is helpful especially unlawful detainer!

This means it is an unlawful order and may not be enforced.

Additionally, the courts have deemed the moratorium unlawful, so you will see these restrictions lifting soon. 

Or where, if I now bought, would there be a legal argument the occupant was unlawfully detaining my property ?

Yesterday I got a letter from a law firm stating that tenant has retained them to address the unlawful detainer action.

Focus on operating the units, aka getting a good tenant in place who WILL pay rents.The eviction path (Unlawful Detainer action) takes about 90days in Calif and may need to get the Sheriff to come onsite.