Reach out directly to the seller before they reach out to an agent l, cut out the commission and the competition.

As someone serving on active duty as well, i have become very comfortable with the VA pain and how it works.

Here is the California Law:  "Under California state law, a landlord can terminate a month-to-month tenancy by serving a 30-day written notice if the tenancy has lasted less than one year, or a 60-day notice if the tenancy has lasted more than one year."

Quote from @Taylor L.: I'd recommend going to local real estate networking events and meeting other investors in the area.

Quote from @Gabriel L.: Quote from @Nate Sanow: The lease is attached to the property. whatever the terms were.

I am sure we have all played the insurance game and it can be quite frustrating trying to collect for what you need to replace or repair.A cost segregation study can serve as a substantive document that an owner can use as support to a claim that is being disputed to their favor.

(Any 100% self-serving  replies like "Hire me as your accountant and I'll tell you" that don't contribute anything to this Forum Are NOT welcome)

You can try calling the courthouse for information.Here's the first site I found: https://guides.sll.texas.gov/l...

Be careful with the assumption that your M-I-L's difficulty in finding a rental indicates a "strong" demand for rentals.  

If caught in the act, you can serve them with notice which may be enough to discourage the actions moving forward, however if they want to take you up on that and ride it out, it won't be done before the lease is up.