@Irina Thank you for defending me!!!!!

There are no back property taxes on it, and no other defendants listed on the court case other than the homeowner.

If the defendant is cooperative, you should be able to have him sign something to enter his appearance, waived service of process and confess judgment.

A smart landlord would not want to defend the expenses in front of a judge. 

I would only add that when contemplating what you will deduct on a security deposit imagine you would need to defend your actions in court. 

Bear in mind, the defendant has only 10 days from the auction to file this and must Show some defect in the foreclosure process.....not “I was victimized” or “I didn’t receive a notice/summons because I moved”, “I want to do a short sale” or “etc,etc,etc.”.  

Posted elsewhere as well - but worth reading for the research shared & citations posted:  Natalie wrote “It's more a wave on information from someone whose business is defending things in court.”Dunno what a “wave on information” means.

If you mean to enter into a contract and not be able to close unless you can assign it, I would recommend you discuss your business plan with a lawyer who is prepared to defend you. 

You then proceed, based on state time lines, if eviction is required.You should not be concerned with your tenants defending themselves with claims you are not maintaining the property.

Cost to defend yourself is usually more than the security deposit was in the 1st place.