They walked away from their leases, took FEMA money to move (and maybe even replace some "damaged" possessions, and are now living in new housing on the taxpayers dime. 

Attend one of these trainings to understand the bid process, there is some nuance as to how the final minute of bidding can be managed, which can be good info to know should bidding be competitive.My attorney has recommended that a writ of possession be filed for any property purchased at auction.  

You can file paperwork yourself or as others have stated, hire an attorney.Typically, you'll want to have a notarized affidavit filed or writ of possession issued and signed by a judge.This can vary from jurisdictions so if you are unfamiliar with how to move forward it may be best to consult legal counsel.Legal counsel will typically cost in the low thousands after filing fees, processing fees, attorney fees, court costs, etc.

The note investor who thought that after the debtor was late with a payment he could just walk in and take possession/ownership of the property without foreclosure proceedings3.

There's no real right of possession for public property in any state that I know of, and in most places they can remove your items without compensation and forebidding their return. 

In this business you have to possess one or more of the following:1.) 

Condo's are ill advised for investments because you possess far less control.

I'm not sure about Baltimore but in DC, if you take on one of these that is already boarded up, the day you take possession they fine you and put on some strange tax because of it.

If, after the first ten (10) days after you take possession of the Rental Unit, it becomes necessary for us to undergo including, without limitation, prevention and remediation in your Rental Unit and/or on the Premises, you will be held financially responsible for reasonable costs thereof, paid as Additional Rent.

THE NEW FLORIDA SQUATTERS LAW WENT INTO EFFECT ON JULY 1, 2024 my Brother was successful with an adverse possession claim in CA.. he was not squatting he owned the property next door and the person who owned it died and I guess had no heirs.