If they don't serve the notice in person and physically hand the notice to the resident, then you can only get a judgement for possession and not for monetary damages.

What does your purchase contract say about "possession"?  

I let our agent know we wouldn't accept deductions from the deposit for her rent, but it ended up being a moot point since they evicted her and we haven't taken possession yet.This is the same reason I don't like to see late fees and what not charged against the security deposit, if the property sells it becomes the new owner's problem.  

POSSESSION: Possession of the property and occupancy (tenants excepted), with all keys and garage door openers, will be delivered to the Buyer when title transfers.

All states have the quiet enjoyment angle for tenants and that does not end really until you take possession.

Walter, exactly what were you thinking when you let the tenant take possession of the property prior to the lease date?".

I like to think of it as possessing a double edge sword and I'm going into battle and I need to use both edges at the same time.thing.

Jeff,As you already know, the current tenants have legal possession of the unit until midnight on the last day of the month.

The new owner of the property took possession with a Tax Deed and is asking 700k.

And, in most cases, even if they don't redeem, the original owner can retain possession of the property for at least a year after the tax sale until the tax deed buyer forecloses their redemption rights.