If he doesn't want to screen and interview candidates, have him put your phone number on any sign/listing.

As you already know, NJ is very tenant-friendly, so be super cautious.We are on lockdown in PA, but we are still doing business:  virtual showings, and Zoom interview with prospects. 

We screened the tenants over the phone, via their online application, by interviewing their bosses and current/former landlords over the phone, looking at their social media, background check etc. without coming in physical contact at all.

I have seen at least 3 really bad recessions and I interviewed my grandparents who lived through the great depression for a history project. 

I would also interview 10-12 banks myself to compare rates and find someone who is willing to give you the type of loan you want.

Each state has different rules and the attorney would know the best way of structuring language and provisions to protect each party.I would ask attorneys you are interviewing what experience they have with RE law and/or investing.

I was also taken back by an interview with Robet Kiayasaki regarding the upcoming depression... and that was before Covid. 

I'm a Referral Agent with Coldwell Banker's National Real Estate Referral Group and I interview my prospects to better understand their objectives, their budget, their geographic and other preferences, as well as their overall perspective.   

In an interview in the New Yorker Mayor DeBozo said that if it was up to him, The mayor's office would control who bought what property, where and how for how much. 

I just finished reading 'Crushing it in Apartments and Commercial Real Estate" and would recommend it; easy read and author was on the BP podcast (EP 126)If you want to go off on all kinds of tangents, 'Tribe of Mentors' by Tim Ferris has interviews with hundreds of leaders, most  of whom recommend their 3 most transformational reads.