Remember how Bill Gates lost half his earthly possessions when he divorced Belinda.

If at the last minute, Seller wants post closing possession, will the title company tell you "Don't do it its' too risky" or if the title company or Agent tells you to do it, will they tell the Seller the conditions they must accept and if they don't, then the answer is "No", PERIOD?

The sole question before the court is who has the right to possession of the property. 

As a Realtor if I catch a deal before anyone else or if I need to create a new corp. to hold the property, I will write the offer with “John Smith and or appointee” as the purchaser, then I can assign the contract prior to closing/possession.  

If you are monitoring your investment and the people who have possession of it, you have a better chance of being able to be proactive and minimize potential loss, rather than simply reacting after the situation is at a point of no return.

Do the sellers just reassume possession of the property?   

Upon review, we found that in addition to the credit issues that were pointed out, the application has multiple points of non-approval including, but not limited to:-Eviction History:PINELLAS COUNTY CIRCUIT COURTFLcase number02011-07-20FORCIBLE ENTRY/DETAINERapplicantLEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURTFLcase number02011-05-03FORCIBLE ENTRY/DETAINERapplicant-Criminal History: - Offense Description: FELONY BATT OR DOMESTIC BATT BY STRANGULATION Arrest Date: 2011-12-23 -Offense Description: DRUG EQUIP - POSSESS AND OR USE Arrest Date: 2011-12-24Based on these findings, we will not be able to approve APPLICANTS application and he will not be allowed to be added to the lease and move in to the property.

There are only three ways to gain lawful possession (1) the owner surrenders possession to you and you have it in writing so you have proof in case he/she later lies about it; or (2) the property is abandoned, which is different from vacant and neglected for a long time.

Does said squatter have rights yet (or would they have them by the time the property closes) and therefore would need to be evicted if my client took possession of the house?

They are crystal clear in telling me "Riverside County does not take possession of properties and therefore is not in the legal position of guaranteeing marketable title.