Don't get emotionally involved, just rip the band-aid off and get him out ASAP.

You will have a hard time rationalizing someone into taking the emotion out of their decision making process.

It is easy to get emotional about a property and tenants as the owner operator so remember your initial goals when getting this investment property.

=)Most Southern Californians are perfectly happy purchasing their first piece of real estate to "achieve the American dream" or for another emotional reason.  

The provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks, so these animals are not considered service animals.

It should be less emotion driven and they can help you understand the market a little better. 

As a rule of thumb, if you're sitting at 70-75% cost  to value, you're in good shape.Buying properties like this should not be an emotional ride. 

Hilda, one approach that will help take the emotions out of the wayby not having to directly talk to the seller, find a good buyer's broker :)And in the meantime build a 720-800 FICO and get pre-qualified soyou're ready in case they don't want to do owner financing.IOW ALWAYS HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN in BUSINESS which is not personal...

My advice is to make sure you know what your options are regarding landlord tenant rights and create a plan and execute; sticking to a plan can help eliminate some of the emotions that can come with evicting a tenant.

Don't get pulled into attractive deals, keep your emotions aside.