The basic difference is that you are suing for possession only with no monetary judgment. 

I initially tried to counter sue in small claims to get possession of my mobile home back since they were suing me anyways.

One tenant died, and her neighbor (who happens to be a messy, terrible tenant) somehow had possession of the keys and handed them to a girl claiming she is the decedents niece.

If they hold onto it, the children can inherit.The banks have re-possessed home's and won't sell the house to limit supply and increase the value.People have emigrated but are still holding on to the house.- People are on tracker mortgages with ~0 interest rate and don't want to lose it.- People are in negative equity on their house and still wait to break even when selling. 

Always be ready to negotiate with a co-signer or additional collateral.Before even going to the bank to beg for a loan, try the following:talk to the sellers - ask for some owner assisted, short term seller financing -  tell the seller that financing is difficult these days - ask if they can hold a subordinated mortgage of 40-60% of the purchase price with a short term balloon.ask for right of immediate possession of the building so that you can prep it for appraisal and to upgrade the kitchen and baths (at your expense and risk)re-write the contract so you can buy sub-to the existing mortgageask the seller to refinance the the building - keep the cash and you'll pay the mortgage (maybe give them a note for equity that may be due them). 

... or risk losing it and your properties - AND personal assets/possessions -  in litigation?

Soon after taking possession, the sewer had issues, we got it fixed. then remodeled the house.

Generally, teh time to verify everything is before you write the big check and take possession. 

In my state, you can get a possession order when you complete a foreclosure.  

What about obtaining title insurance and ultimately getting possession for the property?