Will be looking to refinance the existing apartment owned free and clear, to buy 2 more.

I believe the memorandum of option is just a notice that an option exists, without recording the complete option agreement. 

I mean hopefully you have some reserves to cover slow or non-existent months.

i would look in the smaller cities in between bigger markets since the bigger markets tend to be saturated right now with investors

As @Hai Loc mentioned 1031 doesn't exist in Canada.

Given the existing unique situation of the COVID19 outbreak in NJ and under the state order of stay at home which requests us to stay at home at all time and keeps the travel to minimal unless absolutely necessary, how could I show the house to potential tenants?

The positive that can come from businesses that survive is they discover other parts of their business for growth that they likely did not know existed or gave much attention to.

Property management is a hands-on business, especially when you take property showings to prospective renters, maintenance, and move-in / move-outs into account - all of which require face-to-face contact.Secondly, landlords and property managers alike have either already, or likely will face, issues with delayed or non-existent rent payments come April 1st.

Since then I have been working on increasing my self-confidence, establishing exceptional credit, eliminating my past debts and increasing my wealth by saving more of my existing income.

Your existing lender?