Evicting a squatter who is a friend of family

[Willard Blair]

I just bought my first foreclosure property in VA. I have the advantage of knowing the original owner and all the drama. The owner had a handshake deal with the current squatter. This house neighbors my mother's house. They were all friends. The squatter never paid the owner any rent even though he was house haking and keeping all the rent he collected for himself. So, I am planning on getting an attorney to handle the eviction to remain anonymous. I want to remain anonymous because the squatter is very charismatic (not dangerous) and do not want him to try to persuade my mother into letting him stay on. My mother is my partner in this deal, and she is a very caring person, so she would be easy for him to take advantage of. I am also in a different state so I am unable to step in. After he is evicted we are planning on using a property management company. Are there any suggestions to handle this differently than the way I am planning? Or are my plans pretty much good to go?

[Patricia Steiner]

Willard, raise your right hand and repeat after me:  "I will NEVER close on another property until it is completely vacated or I have approved and accepted the tenants."  

I recommend having a real estate attorney or some third party - like a property manager - offer to pay the squatter to leave.  Mom should not engage the guy at all (not even wave).  Cash for keys, as this is best known, is used frequently. It's amazing how someone who won't pay rent and won't leave - will take the money and bolt. If you have to evict, you can't be anonymous; you're the owner/landlord - unless maybe you're using a LLC for your business.

Offer cash for keys and hope for the best.