I'm bit stuck trying to figure out the legal ways to go about doing this as I am Canadian and am looking to invest in American markets.

The big brokerages do offer great support, but your fees will be high.

He was charged around $4k for legal fees to remove the tenants, and $900.00 for each eviction and removal by the property manager.

@Melody T.I can appreciate the additional questions, but unfortunately, you're: 1) getting into the realm of legal advice, and 2) are asking specific questions that can be dependent on the facts. 

Make sure you utilize all the great tools BP has to offer.

Now investors have phoned relentlessly with your low-ball offers, always.

I did a 1031 exchange in early 2022 from a single vacation rental I had into two DST's, each are  300 unit Apartment complexes offered by Capital Square. 

I think you can start at a place like hot pads to see what the listings are being offered for.

I have experienced cash flow anywhere from 10-18% with so much more to offer.

Agree with all of @Kevin Sobilo points above with the largest being the legal aspects of using an unfamiliar lease in court.