If you don't have something in your system that catches a vacancy before it hits 4 months, then something is wrong with your system.And your response that you are the biggest company and longest tenured company means NOTHING in terms of whether you're providing good service today or not.

They will have some strict guidelines in terms of exterior preservation. 

I am not sure which one is better in terms of location.

@Kelly WilliamsAssuming that you are going to sell on the retail market, I have had success in thinking in terms of what a retail-buyer, non-investor-type is going to ask for or be "looking for." 

I wonder if you know that area in terms of rent and what's your opinion?

Considering the fact that this is my first investment I want to know any advice that you may offer in terms of negotiating the house, selecting a bank (I posses a 785 credit score), closing costs. tenants, insurance, basically anything that I should be paying attention to. 

How difficult is it to extend the utilities in terms of zoning and costs?

In terms of analyzing deals, the BP calculators are a great way to evaluate properties:http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investmen...I would definitely start there.

In terms of reserves vs.

Seems like tax deed is a much cleaner way to go in terms of investment, unfortunately NJ is tax lien state :(Thanks for any advice.........