There may be pre-payment penalties from different lenders.

Many talented professionals that answer questions.

Personally, this could not be worse news for my buyer/investor focused growing business, however my role is not going away anytime soon..For example, there have been numerous instances where the amount of price negotiation exceeded my compensation or transactions that without my (or a professionals) participation would likely not be as efficient, feasible or successful.

California has Proposition 13 so our property taxes go up 2% a year from the original tax base (of when acquired) so long time investors from pre-2008 and going way back to 1960s to 1970s are doing well if charging market rate rent. 

Rental income if you are not a real estate professional is considered passive income, even with the repair efforts you are doing.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

So what do y'all think should we push forward and rely on our will, wit and the opinion of our professional team.

Is it pre-screening, dealing with no-shows or other?

You'll have a bit of a vacancy, but if you can get the property marketed and turned over quickly, it will be minimal.Do a pre-move out walk through so you have an idea of what you need to do and if you need to hire anyone after they move out. 

Your friend doesn't have the knowledge or skills, so I highly recommend he hire an attorney.Since the tenants claim they never received notice, that means they never received the offer of free rent for December and January!