I've been advised that if they hand over the keys, they've legally transfered possession.

I do it myself, all of the forms are on the county clerk's website, and it takes about 3 weeks from the date I file it until the sheriff removes them and costs a little over $300 with filing fees ($200), process server ($30 per tenant) and $90 to the sheriff to serve the writ of possession if they haven't left by the time you get your judgement entered.

They technically always had the right to possess at any point they decide to exercise it as part of improvements.Now if there was no easement they will probably have hearings about the issue if they can't get the owners to agree to relinquish the property they need, and then may have a court order with a purchase amount and pay for the property they take.

Hard is, I go through with an eviction, get possession, throw his stuff to the curb and file a court case and get judgement for money owed.

@Ahmer Zaidi, @Patrice Boenzi - @Justin Abdilla makes a great point regarding short sales vs. foreclosures.Foreclosure is a legal process through which a lender is permitted to take possession of a property after a borrower has allowed a mortgage loan to go into default.

@Carlos Martinez this will boil down to when he surrendered possession and what your lease says.

Specifically, the portion that involves taking possession, securing, rehabbing, and renting?  

If they don't vacate by their termination date, hire an attorney to begin the holdover eviction, if it's the city of Albany expect 3 months or more before you can regain possession.

If police have the time to set up speed traps and arrest people for possession of marijuana, they should certainly have the time to take care of real issues such as this.

., 0.8%).These properties possess all of the qualities I am seeking (turn key, appreciating, high rent demand, good schools, etc.), but have a low cash return after projected expenses (CAPx, property management, etc.)Given the lower level of risk, should I be okay investing for a lower return?