The tenants have not paid their rent since February and refuse to do so.Given the pandemic occurring, they are protected by the state of NY for eviction.Any suggestions on this situation?

Those who have tested positive, are sick or have been laid of off due to the pandemic are most likely going to receive some relief from a government program.  

Having strong relationships with your lenders makes getting through tough times, say a global pandemic, much easier. 

They have been effected by the recent lay offs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking back, I lucked out here because she likely could have stayed until much longer (since we are going on 15 months since pandemic started). 

Many tenants in those neighborhoods do not care.While @Nzinga Young suggested buying back the areas sounds good but is the headache worth it, especially when one manages remotely.During this Pandemic only my D class went gosh on me.

I assumed the market was slow due to the pandemic.

Learned to adapt to what the market offers (was looking for a 5 bed house) and not having a mortgage payment anymore helps when pandemics hit.

Maybe it’s the pandemic?

Even with the covid pandemic I do not regret that decision at all at this point.