My lease did states that they must cover any legal fees..

If it's not an ironclad legal ROW, you are taking a significant risk. 

Because I am a builder and architectural designer and I have confidence in my ability to add value to any property I purchase and it is far easier and safer for me to work with empty building and make all things uniform and because if spaces are designed uniformly then whatever I purchase to put in the units I can buy in bulk and save money.

I just noticed that the rental license registration form requests a property manager be designated if the primary owner doesn't live or work within a 20 mile radius.

Even the lowest priced house still needs to offer any future resident safety and this area can lead to various very undesirable legal liabilities for the owner/seller.

If you are doing these for legal reasons, quote three sources.

I don't think ethically legally they can "price you out". 

If there is any legal existing easement or right of way they will have it on file and be able to show it to you on a map.

Check with your local laws but simply give them proper, legal, notice that as of "xx" date, their new rental rate will be $xxx.

I’ll let someone familiar with New Jersey law answer your question about online only rent payments (it wouldn’t be legal in my state), but I did want to caution you against accepting a check as payment for the initial deposit.