Check online for complaints about the syndicator.

As a part of my application, I tell applicants that I require that payments be made online by debiting a bank account. 

@LaQuinn Bolling You might need a tenant Estoppel Letter from seller, Sellers disclosure document.

Anyway, there is legal documentation you can get signed that essentially releases you from any and all legal issues w/ existing owner.

Most of the multifamilies I've seen available online are in desperate need of repairs to make it comfortable for us and the tenants! 

The buyer has already submitted the earnest money and signed the escrow documents.

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

Be sure to document every phone call (other methods) you use to track him down, especially if your efforts should fail in the end.

It has all of the instructions you need.You may only do this if:They are not currently in a term lease (ie, they are month-to-month, not under a lease that has yet to expire)You give 60 days noticeYou pay them 1 months rentYou actually intend to occupy the unitYou do NOT rent it out again for at least 12 months, even if your situation changes and you move out again.You can find the form here:http://www.sjto.gov.on.ca/documents/ltb/Notices%20...I also highly recommend you read the actual rules about it here:https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17#BK65In fact, read that whole document if you're ever going to run a rental property.

The eventual goal is to make it a dynamic document that updates avg $/sqft but it's not quite there yet.