Need info on Suing in small claims court for back rent

[Leslie Carter]

I own a rental property in Buffalo NY and I’m an out of town landlord. I have an ex tenant that owes me $4500 in back rent. My property manager did file papers for eviction but when her lawyer went to court they made an agreement for her to move out instead without the full eviction. She left and now I’m still owed $4500. I flew to Buffalo and filed for a small claims court hearing and was granted one for later this month. Is this something I should fly in  and do myself or should I have a lawyer handle it? If I handle it I want to make sure I’m prepared. What do I need to bring. I know she doesn’t have the $ so I’m probably looking at garnishing her paycheck. 

[Matthew Irish-Jones]

Out of curiosity, how did the tenants get so far behind?