Also if it's a TRUE distressed homeowner - they won't care what the card says.

OR  seller just wanted to unload and told the broker to list it low and they did not care what happens...

I want an agent who cares about my cash on cash ROI and my cash flow. 

Screening makes or breaks it, so be patient, careful and do all the due diligence needed with checking people's references and employers.   

If it's a condo I don't think you'd need a property management company since you'd be paying HOA fees that would take care of everything except collecting rent from the tenant for your mother.

I believe you need to take care of the person lending you so they will keep lending you.

I am new landlord in New Brunswick, NJ, I rent 3 bedroom townhouse to the section 8 home. the tenants need pay all utilities. the water in the bathroom were bleaking she find out untill the water bill came, the water bill is very highabout $2,300.00 for the 4 and half months. she don't want pay any, I aske her pay $ 400 and I paid the rest. she said he will take care of it but never do. now she live there a year, she only pay $200 for the water. the open balance is $438.00. what should I do. do I need to go to court?

For the situation you laid out in the OP, no need for a CA RE License.

You definitely need boots on the ground to help select the appropriate contractor(s). 

If you're gone the majority of the week, I recommend you have property management or someone you can rely on to take care of things when you're gone.