Do you think it will be an issue to get them out after we close (a short closing is probably part of the reason we won the bid), or should we push them to get the renters out before we close and risk losing the deal?

There isn’t a good answer to this without more information about the investor’s free time available to manage/improve property, current inventory of skills and abilities, risk tolerance, end goal, and time horizon.  

It also can provide income without too much risk as long as they've received a sizable down payment and properly filed lien on the property. 

Of course I would want to have as little risk as possible, so I would want to get loans for these purchases.My question is what is the best strategy for protecting the equipment and what kind of exit strategy would be the best? 

.• Located in an area where you can make money and business risks are low.

Probably about your only other option for 12 months is to find a certificate of deposit special and that will probably only get you 2-3%.You could put the money in the market, but you run the risk of it dropping when you need to pull the money back out.

It pays some bills.Points goto sales and company principals.We’re considering moving to a flat fee on deals under $80k and $150k ARV.Not sure why people think quick financing to help you make $20-40k on a house should be super cheap when the lender is risking a lot of money on a person with low documentation.

There’s also less risk you’re cash flow negative at any time.

That's the risk with tax sales. 

If they do, you bear 100% risk where it should be shared.