Have you checked with Holy Rosary Credit Union?

The only part I'm not getting a good grip on is what I can do as a middle man so to speak.

What paperwork needs to be signed to protect me so in the event that the buyer defaults i can evict them without having to jump thru a million legal hoops and spend a grip of cash to get them out. 

For my personal choice I am currently working on having a firm grip on them prior to focusing myself in any one direction.

@Jake Lord The first thing I would do is get a grip on the rehab costs.

I am interested in anyone who is knowledgeable in the Staten Island market around McClean Ave by Holy Rosary School.

Are there things throughout the year I should be doing to have a more beneficial grip on it?  

It's clear the police and the city don't know how to get a grip on it. 

I am hoping that eventually i have a good grip on this business so that i can make deals in NY vicinity. 

Raising it slowly is more likely to cause confusion, your tenants will still be unhappy with you, and you may cause someone to hang on longer than they should before they finally realize they can't afford the rent and stop paying or leave.I suspect you don't have a good grip on what these are worth, just like the current Landlord.