Doesn't matter how those receipts came into your possession.

When I used the cash-for-keys, I got possession immediately and was able to re-market the unit quickly - - aka good business decision with positive impact to my bottom line.Going down the eviction route, I've had two results as one was not adversarial and the other was. 

There is a process and each state has it's own regulations for landlords to take possession of their property back.

I have a pending eviction and the Sheriff posted the 24 hour notice to vacate after the tenant was defaulted last week and a wirt of possession issued. 

Some courts might think that the text message is sufficient to effect the transfer of possession back to the landlord, but I personally wouldn't risk it.

File for adverse possession/quiet title/damages

Evicting someone is only for the purpose of legally obtaining possession of your property, and doesn't automatically give you a monetary judgment nor does it usually affect the credit.  

The real issue is if they are going to trash the house before you take possession.

All parties are jointly and severally liable (provided the lease states such) until you regain possession of the unit or you negotiate with them to change the lease to release one person and/or add another.  

The best course of action right now is to get possession as quickly as possible so you can get it back on the market.