So the OP just has to recover possession through eviction. 

You should be provided with a copy by the seller, as well as any partial month rent and the security deposit.If the former owners are still there after the bank takes possession of the REO after the sale, then the bank should get them out before they sell the house. 

I would have these terms included in the sales agreement and time the actions accordingly.You can sell the property on a land contract now and for the 20k you would allow them to take early possession now with a promissory note due (balloon) at the estimated time of credit qualification. if they don't qualify within the estimated time agreed upon you can find someone else to purchase the property and keep all monies that you receive while they have physical possession.The terms of the promissory note would have a monthly payment that equals the monthly mortgage payment made payable to you or the bank for as long as it takes for buyer to qualify for a new loan to payoff the promissory note.

My name is Robert Kuchta and I am pleased to introduce myself to everyone here at BP.I am new as a real estate investor and I possess over 25 years' experience, in order, as a construction worker, draftsman, designer and sub-contractor for commercial projects and properties in Connecticut and California.

But the one thing they can no longer do is take possession of the property through foreclosure.  

Had he been non-abrasive, I'd have let him take possession the day I moved.Thanks for your advice.

You can close, you take possession and you become the landlord.

FL eviction process isn't too bad from what I know so you shouldn't have a problem getting them out once you have possession of the property.Now not knowing anything more about the tenant, you may not really have a problem on your hands.

Let them know had it been brought up before today you could have worked it in, At this point the new owners will be taking possession and do not want it occupied!!!

If they're open to working with you, you would start the process of the short sale with the lender.Worst case if the first lien holder won't short sale it then you can gain possession of the property by having the homeowner deed the property over to you or you can foreclose on your second lien (foreclosing at least wipes out any junior liens).