Curious to see how this all plays out if its true. 

Lastly many people have found certain linens off amazon to work great, but I think just about every host uses a different brand. 

If you trust your contractor and can stay on top of the project, you might not need a property manager my understanding is the property manager is playing the contractor's role for some smaller projects, not another layer on top of the contractor. 

But you won't know until you take that first step.To use a basketball analogy, you're dreaming about playing for the NBA when you haven't even tried to play a pickup game at the Y.

You want to play?"

If you want to attempt to rep yourself, you have to play the game too.

I played professional baseball for 4 years and don't have any experience in the real estate world.

Are others playing the long game and hoping for appreciation or is there something I’m missing with the economics of North Jersey?

His criminal record shouldn't play a role if he was released from prison five years ago and has held a steady job, has good landlord references, etc.Disorderly conduct looks pretty minor, and I don't see how it poses a risk to you.

Do you think the high property taxes play a significant role in shaping your investment strategy moving forward?