I am currently spending a lot of time educating myself about notes, and there is certainly a lot to learn about the legal procedures involved.

My new procedure is to tell them I have $150 budgeted for cleaning and they can either (a) accept the cleaning crew I normally use (b) keep the money or (c) hire their own.  

However, this is just procedural, and I'd expect to receive it soon, and proceed.  

Always bring a solution to their concern.Being mindful of your new employment, I would suggest keeping it while you adjust yourself and gain experience in the RE market.Depending on your broker, more than likely you will go through a series of training procedures before letting go of the reigns.Being nervous is understandable, just don't let it prevent you from accomplishing what you worked for.Anybody here can offer advice but you will never know unless you take the risk..Best of luck!

What's the proper procedure here in Florida?

We don't know your procedures there, it sounds like you have a Lien, that you would have to foreclose on/go to court, in order to receive actual title (deed)?  

The procedure involves some paperwork and a certified letter to the last known address of the owner of the home in question.

Any attempt to make a mechanical procedure that is one-size-fits-all would be an exercise in futility.

Please do NOT rely on suggestions from this blog ... that is if you want to be sure you are following all federal and local laws and procedures and that your investments/money are secure.Hiring a lawyer may be much cheaper than the alternative.

A foreclosure procedure would almost certainly require notification of the underlying lender, and they may choose to start their own foreclosure, even if you're making the payments to them.