I bet when you propose to your wife, you will start looking up divorce procedures and community property in Texas.

Regardless, you may be able to issue a written notice to vacate immediately for violating the terms of the lease; check the procedure in the California landlord / tenancy legislation to see if you must provide written notice and the opportunity to cure first. 

Standard procedure to exchange, in person, your final payment for a properly executed Final Release......not send a check then hope you get the release. 

If it goes south, part peacefully and unemotionally, and go about your legal procedures. 

I would highly suggest outlining and documenting (on paper) your policies, procedures, and core values for your investment business. 

This is the time for a landlord to take action and put into effect the processes and procedures that we learn about as investors.

What is the acceptable procedure for "grouping" activities at different properties?

(Making sure to follow the courts procedures)Looks as you have done this.Tell the tenant you will only talk to them 30-minutes before the court hearing and there will be no contact until then.

We asked about the procedure for creating land trusts in CA.

If you use legal procedure to remove a person from your property, it is an eviction.