In Arkansas, I can choose to do criminal or civil eviction, but would rather do neither.

I believe Civil Court in Marion county covers all evictions but I will do some research there for sure.

They report  everything from civil cases to foreclosures. 

“We are stealing the future, selling it in the present, and calling it GDP”-Paul HawkenCalifornian civil rights activist, environmentalist, businessman and author.

Read up on California Code, Civil Code - CIV § 2945

I called the magistrate and they said if I wanted to bring a civil suit I could do that or call the sheriff. 

"No check issued".) 2: Would it behoove me to achieve my write offs this year (the year I need them) and quitclaim the deed from my LLC. to myself, converting it into a primary residence down the road (adjusting my basis with the improvements and repairs) and only allowing potential litigation to attack my free and clear title for this short period of renovations vs. the life of our occupancy at the property? 

I am sure the civil action will be expensive for all.From what I read in the attached below you will need to be vigilant as negligence could be VERY expensive . https://www.peoples-law.org/lead-paint-law-rights-and-obligations-renters-and-property-owners

If they are totally uncooperative, which because of possible litigation is understandable, search of l/t court for your location will show if there was action(s) against them.If the prospect is still living there, ask to do a home visit to see exactly how they live. 

They're currently undergoing litigation to recover the property but don't expect to get much out of them unless they can garnish his wage from the VA.On the other hand, my father is a doctor and when starting at a new clinic, the doctors approached him to buy into the property.