Tenants returned possession of unit back to Landlord.

The way he breaks things down in lamest terms is a true gift that a lot of "coaches/mentors" do not possess. 

Here is a typical timeline for a rehab project and some time ranges of what you could expect:Step #1 Purchase Closing/Take Possession (Day 1)Stage #2 Planning, Permits, Bidding (1 week to 1 month+)If possible, you will try to start the planning before the closing to gain a head start.

It seems like they are illegally acting as full property management for her without being in possession of a real estate license, based on her account. 

Does the state take possession at some time or is there a legal way to pursue ownership?

So my question at this point is how do I know if I need to spend the time and $$ to file a writ of possession?

I read on this site where I CAN take possession and actually rent out the property!

Control property with a delayed settlement with right of possession Joint venture with the seller, split the profitsFind an Angel Lender, offer less than hard money interest with equity kicker upon saleFriends or family friendly partnershipAssign contract before settlement date (use banking days in offer and built in extension)Use commercial check protection (give yourself a loan)Create a note on other properties and trade for the property subject to sale of noteDo a Tax deferred exchange Sell the property under contract by reserve auction and assignmentEquity loan on your personal resident or other property ownedExchange something you can buy on time in exchange for the property you wantPropose 120% seller financing, receive 20% cash from seller, split profitsShort term lease until renovations are completed with option to buy Vertical Break Up, offer to buy the building and lease the land it sits on Seller Pays Buyer That’s right.

Another option is to serve a "Pre-judgment Claim of Right to Possession" form to one of the tenants.

You should make sure that your lease and your option is on separate documents.subject-to's --- OK, this can be tricky because there are risk here, a subject to is usually a violation of the seller's mortgage agreement, meaning if the property is transferred, the mortgage could become accelerated and become due in full.You may want to consider this contract of sale, subject to the existing mortgage with right of possession with settlement to be within 7 years.Make sue you have a signed deed in escrow so that when you are ready to have a formal settlement, you don't need to find the owner to sign a deed.When you put the deal together (and you understand it), the closing agent will be found to do that deal.Charles