There's more demand in the months May - October.

They have unauthorized pets, unless the pull the old trick of these pets are “emotional support” or “service animals”, the. that’s a whole other issue, especially since you are in California 

@Luke Carl some good points… spoke to an agent yesterday and he said he didn’t see things slowing down next year based on demand he’s seeing.

you will need to plug any cracks or holes around the property and attic to make sure animals can't enter the building and you will need to deal (trap, kill etc) any rodents currently inside.within each unit you also need to seal any holes in the drywall they might be using to get in.

Residential units are in HIGH demand.

Also, at what point one should open a claim against a tenant attorney threat/demand letter?

The answer I got was that there was a report of a dangerous animal in or on the property.

Given that I am 24, with no prior experience in real-estate and no family to help me, this was a huge project to undertake (alongside a very demanding job). 

If you bought notes in a judicial state you have to file proper demands, complaints and go through the court system.

My general thoughts on Southern Jersey RE is that it will increase in demand as prices closer to NY city skyrocket.