Get a friend to pretend to be a new tenant if you are uncomfortable doing it alone, but you need to know the condition of that place. 

@Francesco Gomez - Sweet, that is a good problem to have my friend!

The goal would be to hire on 1-3 trusted friends in that area to manage my first property.

I like business and landlord friendly markets.

The month to month lease could be a "trial" phase to see if you want to lock those tenants in with a longer lease.Your friend,Nick

Can anyone recommend an investor-friendly agent with experience in the central or south NJ areas?

Unfortunate, but not a surprise.The more ignorant laws the stupid politicians pass in CA and a few other states, the better it is for those of us operating in relatively business friendly states as jobs and residents continue to flee those anti-business locations.

As well as Joshua Dorkins from Denver, Colorado with the guidelines for the intro.My name is Alejandro Condis Reyes Alias “NONO”.I am originally from Cuba, but I am currently living in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.I have a dual license as a Massage Therapist as well as Physical Therapist Assistant and I am currently working on both professions.About three years ago a friend of mine introduced me to the book “Cash Flow” from Robert Kiyosaki, and after I finished reading it, I knew that I have to do fundamental changes in my life; otherwise, I would not be able to achieve my goals.

Also, family or friends might step up if they see that she will not have a place anymore.  

I had a friend attempt to run some comps from the mls and he said it seemed pretty sketchy, especially considering the supposed owner of the house isn’t the one listed as the owner.