Agree to litigate in small claims with the stipulation that if you get a recovery judgement you will have to right to post negative reviews of your experience.

It's California where you don't quite own the property and they reside in the protected grey area a little below being owners and a little above being renters...I hope it ends well, but I would expect to win a meaningless judgement and hope to get the property back by Christmas, just in time for the likely needed renovation.

BUT, you might get a notice from an attorney and get a judgement for your taxes in the first year or maybe not until 7 or 8 years later, there is no rhyme or reason on when they come after you for the taxes.I think there is quite a bit of education that will go into placing 500k into lending in a particular area mainly because there are so many differences in states.

They get burnt out repeatedly making judgement calls where they continually try to emotionally connect with the tenant's situation to decide where to draw the line when instead, they could have made the decision once without any pressure on them.

You'll find out if the property is free and clear of any defects such as leins, easments, any judgements etc....

@Bret Allen Thanks so much for you response, I really appreciate you taking the time.So the judgement was for a total of $2580.00.  

Curious your thoughts on this one though....Let me know if you need more numbers to make the judgement. 

You can pursue whoever was on the lease for your damages, collecting any judgement is another story.  

Use your judgement.

I'd get into your state's Housing Laws and go from there.Speaking in general terms, if the tenant doesn't show up the Land Lord wins the judgement and then you schedule the Sheriff.