Literally we got possession of the place a week before he was let out.

There are only two possessions that I have an emotional attachment to.

Sounds like that 20 year tenant needs to file an adverse possession claim!

One offer was to provide me possession, I would fix up the house and sell.

The dictionary definition of a squatter is "a person who unlawfully occupies an uninhabited building or unused land".You have something known as "squatter's rights" (or adverse possession) which is: "A squatter's right is a legal allowance to use the property of another in the absence of an attempt by the owner to force eviction."

You just don't know what the condition that the house might be in when you take possession of it.The other thing is that you dont know WHEN you might get possession of the house.

I invest in Saskatchewan, just took possession of a 6 plex in Swift Current. 

We don't ask for cash but I have heard of other landlords who do because of the chance of a check bouncing after the tenant has already taken possession of the rental. 

And make sure the lease is clear about if they are gone for 7 days without previous notice they are considered to have given up possession, just in case their cases result in them leaving by way of detention.#1 would be my second choice. 

@Kyle MullinsFirst of all, regarding leases, once you take possession of the property, you inherit tenants that don’t have any written agreement with you.