A complete, 100% plan covering all "what-ifs" must be written and vetted before taking action.  

From my research it looks as if I am supposed to reach out to the previous owner and give them a chance to claim the boat.

Federico Gutierrez I completely agree!

From there, applicants can fill it out and the completed form is emailed to me automatically. 

@Tom HurfordThe house is 2400 square feet, brick. 4 beds, 3.5 Bathrooms, University Heights, OH (near Cleveland)ARV: $240K-$260K Initial Budget was $58KBid from contractor: $59KMaterials I am providing: $16K (incl 2k contingency) (in bold below)Rough Scope: Landscaping (clean out window wells, remulch beds, trim bushes and trees)- L: $1845Masonry ( Tuckpoint Chimney, Tuckpoint exterior masonry around porch, powerwash brick) L&M: $1200Windows (Replace 16 Windows): L&M:$3600Roof (Inspect Slate Roof): $150Gutters (Replace all gutters): L&M: $1200Deck (Powerwash and stain): L&M: $500Front Porch (Scrape and Paint Iron Railings): L&M: $100Exterior Lights (5): L:$100, M:$200Kitchen (Complete upgrade, counters, cabinets, tile floor) L&M: $11,000, Appliances: $3,000First Floor 1/2 Bath (Complete upgrade,): L:$2000, M (supplied by me):$550First Floor Master Bath (Complete Upgrade): L:$4500, M (supplied by me):$2400Second Floor Main Bath (Complete Upgrade): L:$4500, M (supplied by me):$1800Third Floor Main Bath (Complete Upgrade): L:$2000, M (supplied by me):$1600New Entry Doors and Lockset (3): L:$300, M (supplied by me):$1025Finish Basement walls and ceiling (Frame, drywall, and Trim, 400 sq ft) L&M:$10,000Finish Basement Flooring (LVP): L:$1500, M (supplied by me):$1000Refinish Hardwood (1300 sq ft): L&M: $5000Electrical (Replace outlets, switches, faceplates, interior lighting): L:$1100, M (supplied by me):$1026Paint Prep : L&M: $600Paint Interior (floor (basement), ceilings, walls, and trim): L&M:$5000Exterior Painting (Garage door, house/window trim): L&M:$2500

Jeff with Complete Plumbing Services is also another recommendation.

I live in NYC myself and I strongly suggest people from here to start investing out of state but somewhere close by so you don't have to rel completely on other people and if anything goes wrong can drive to the property and take matters into your own hands.

And Aaron, definitely correct in that this area is a completely different type of heat, ha. 

Reply for complete list!"  

Any referrals to a lawyer if needed to complete the eviction?