I definitely want to follow through, but I thought that the eviction process can be stopped by the tenant if they return possession to the land lord.

It must be vacant before you take possession.

.____________________________________10-DAY NOTICE FOR FAILURE TO PAY RENTDATE OF NOTICE: TENANT IN POSSESSION:LEASED PREMISES:To Tenant Name:You are notified to vacate the following property not more than ten (10) days after you receive this notice unless you pay the rent due on the property within ten (10) days: Address of the propertyFAILURE TO COMPLY will result in court proceedings for the landlord to regain possession, rents owed and any other charges permitted under state name law.

This works out very well for me as they're pretty much fully occupied for the whole low season and then I get possession again for the summer and charge the high nightly rate again.

Two very different value adds and each one of us does not possess the others skill set.But...you folks are probably speaking from experience.

If I read in the police blotter that a tenant was picked up for drug possession at a local bar, I can safely assume they possess drugs on my property and I will file for eviction.

Recording provides what's called constructive notice.Clearly if someone had bought the property and took possession, ie moved in, you should pursue extended title insurance which I believe covers 'property inspection' to assess possession issues.I'm hopeful that someone else will chime in to confirm or dispute my statements.

Right now you are looking at having possession of the property somewhere around mid to late October.

I would think that if there is no standing lease and non-payment, you would have the right to file for eviction as soon as you take possession of the property.As far as back-rent, that is the problem of the previous owner.

A headlamp or four are definitely already among my possessions ;o)