I would surely use this towards buying a deal if I needed to and handle emergencies with a credit card if necessary.

My opinion is ultimately the PM company should be held liable to make sure this vendor gets paid.The PM agreement states: (21) hire contractors to repair, maintain, redecorate, or alter the Property provided that Broker does not expend more than $ for any single repair, maintenance item, redecoration, or alteration without Owner’s consent; Leasing & Management Agreement concerning: (TAR-2201) 6-1-10 Initialed for Identification by: Broker/Associate and Owner , Page 3 of 11 (22) hire contractors to make emergency repairs to the Property without regard to the expense limitation in Paragraph 4A(21) that Broker determines are necessary to protect the Property or the health or safety of an ordinary tenant;3) Should/Could the vendor file a mechanics lien at this point?

The city has been in perpetual fiscal emergency since almost its inception.

I have a flat-roof, single-family home in Camden, NJ that sprung a pretty substantial leak in the roof last night. Called three roofers already and no callbacks. Any referrals out there?

In Northern NJ, i could try to find a small multi in the $2m range at a mid 5 cap, but it seems very competitive and is much less of an emergeing market.

Id say your best bet in determining how much you need for reserves for emergency repairs would start with a good home inspection.

What is the max limit your PM can spend without your permission (non-life emergency)? 

I personally would not invest in an emerging market if there were no value add component to the deal.  

Coordinate all non-emergency repairs with my Project Management Company and our assigned handymen for execution

If you don't have enough money in your emergency fund, how about taking out a home equity loan on your own home?