[aside from "a roof over their heads" ]

Now I can keep going on and on and on, but for the sake of everyone's sanity I'm going to pivot to a new topic now (whether that is really a good thing I will let you decide)Okay great now that you've gotten all the warm and fuzzy stuff out of the way, you're looking for some more concrete advice, and honestly @Andrew Syrios hit the nail on the head for a lot of the good advice, but I'll add to it.1) Don't set goals, set achievements.

You could send a letter to the address - if the previous owner set up mail forwarding, it should head to them.

I had a lawyer who shook his head in disbelief every time I walked in with another contract with "$1.00" as the deposit.

@Pat Marco   hit nail on head... being a real estate agent for 500.00 commission is ridiculous.. either move or get out of the business or put money together buy the inventory yourself then resell it and mark it up. .thats why when I started way back when I only sold land... 10 to 15% commish and double ended everything..

Text or leave a voicemail via Slydial to the effect of: "Thank you for the heads up regarding your situation; however, unless you're calling to inform me that you'll be breaking the lease, i do not care to be involved in your personal issues."

So I am working this through my head.

The PodioZen app package is not comprehensive like Investorfuse (although far more affordable), and is $100 more expensive than the Podio app package you recommended (given the current sale), but for $299 it's a quick and easy way to get a head start in regards to Podio implementation.  

Courts take time, better to non-renew as soon as you take ownership, give them the heads up your not renewing them and that you'd accept a early notice to vacate with a bonus once apartment is emptied. 

And of course if anyone attempts to mask the origin of their funds, especially cash, they are headed down the road of violating BSA/AML regulations.