I know that if this was in NC and I was in your shoes, I would only enter the property after the sheriff, and after doing all the required due process to gain legal possession, etc.

I'm sure that it varies from state to state, but our company doesn't consider having possession without the tenant giving us the key.

I was a lender in possession of about 200 OREO's that I owned in 08 to 2010.. slicing dicing anyway I could unload them...

The decades old Lay-Away plans are gone too (pay $10 a month until it's paid off and then take possession).It should be clear that if one can't make a reasonable down payment, then they can't pay a mortgage or property taxes and the maintenance would still be in question too.Go down to a used car lot and offer no money down and see what ringers you get pulled through.

They also stated they did not want any photos taken that would show their possessions (couch, beds, etc).

I'm a real estate agent with Keller Williams and am in possession of a professional grade camera and a smartphone : )PM me if you're interested and we can get this done.

Long Term with Monthly PaymentsShort Term with BalloonFor my fix & flip businesses in Philadelphia & Chicago, I offer my investors 10% interest for the amount of time that I have their money in my possession.  

Your other option, knock on the door and inform the occupant you will be the new owner of the home soon and since there is no lease, you intend to take physical possession.

Anyone smart enough to profitable flip a house and who is willing to spend the time,  is in control of their emotions and is in possession of adequate data, can price and negotiate their own real estate sale...on the sell side using the MLS via flat fee or discount, etc.  

Or, it could mean that we reach an agreement that allows the tenants to leave if they promise to pay the overdue rent in six month’s time.Remember this isn’t personal – It’s business.The ultimate goal of these negotiations is to gain possession of the landlord so we can get it re-rented.