@Dave Foster, thanks for the response.

All of it interacts through a central menu online and via an app for your phone so calls do get forwarded to your phone.  

I'm learning as much as I can and I do need a long way to go but I'll get there now that I have started posting and interacting with you all.

~ Foster"Yesterday I had an hour-long call with one of Zillow’s top executives.

I can't wait to return soon and continue to foster and grow new connections!

Foster

I am a rookie all the way but a driven young person who won't easily scare.Thanks for taking the time, can't wait to interact with you guys and learn from you all.

In the end, we settled in court and their attitude totally changed when faced with the ultimatum.Here's what I learned,Hire a lawyer and let them do the dirty work for you.Trust your lawyer and you will sleep better at night.Don’t try to negotiate or settle before the trial.Learn everything about your tenant and it’s best they don’t know anything about you other than you are the landlord.If the tenant tries to make contact with you just refer it to your lawyer for them to handle it appropriately.Keep notes meticulously on every interaction between you and the tenant in case they make any false claim against you.A settlement is essentially negotiating and I gave them a deal it was no-brainer it would have been stupid to refuse and they did refuse the first round. 

@Dave Foster That would be quite a loop hole -- investor utilizes the 1031 route, legally evade taxes, but refinance new purchase and get the cash out anyway.

The ex-owner doesn't appreciate your patience and personal interaction, so he can suffer the consequences and be on the street shortly.