Another thing you could do is to prepare a scope of work for each unit and acquire bids, ideally 3 on each item. 

(*Relatively high compared to what we see from "professional" management companies and compared to most of what else is available in the sandboxes where we play).

I figured I could just play stupid and say I thought they moved out but never got their key back so I changed the lock.

Also reached out to the township, but they don’t play a role in this as it is a homeowners responsibility.Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

So there is some equity to play with.

I would love to be near the Glen Ridge, Bloomfield or Watsessing train stations ideally since my wife needs to commute to the city.

The game played from Far Rockaway to College Point, from LIC to Douglaston is pretty much the same:  anticipating appreciation.Sometimes you can 'force' some appreciation by fixing up some units, but the rents WILL NOT cover your expenses.  

Theoretically, Wells Fargo would probably not play ball since I've been really honest about the situation with them, but another lender wouldn't know and I can get my loan?

He's got really clever subject lines tho so I open every one of um. its the high desert western desert land game.. there was about 2 to 3 million lots created in SO CAL AZ  NM  TEXAS N CAat the turn of the century through about the 50s before the subdivision map act came into play.. they have been traded around in tax sales for the last 100 years.. there are a few gurus who sell a course how to buy and sell .. but its an old old old old game nothing new.buy at tax sale for 100 dollars (literally) sell on contract for 500 dollars 20 dollars down 10 a month.. if they make it one year you doubled your money. and because the price point is so low no one cares about title insurance its just deeds being swapped.. its the business I grew up in..

Core BS and I don't play.