Sit down for a little laugh at my expense and hopefully some helpful info from y'all.

What a property is listed for nor what someone paid for a property, have anything at all to do with the value of a property.If a property has been sitting on the market for a long period of time, it's usually due to one of the following:Priced to highNo demand Something negative about the property

Just let her know that you live on the same street, this should make her feel more comfortable with you, and that you have noticed her house sitting vacant.

Absolutely spend a few hundred bucks sitting down with a RE attorney before you try any of this.

If your sitting on premium West coast assets that are readily liquid ( especially compared to low end rentals in the fly over states)  it is cash. and it can be accessed very easily..

The tenant then feels they get penalized for working as each hour worked money is taken away from them when they can sit on their butts at home and do nothing.

Other will want to write a check and then just sit back and collect their share.

Although very few and far between I've had experiences like what you're describing.I would sit down with the Tenants and go over the lease, specifically the areas that are problematic with this tenant, and try to come to some kind of understanding.

I am in the process of purchasing an apartment building that sits atop acres of unused land.

IMO: Being that you will have it under contract in 5 days, I would sit tight.