I took on the job of my friend as his . Property Manager in the aspects when it comes to representing him in legal matters of tracking down recently evicted tenants to collect their delinquent rent. I have been looking all over the internet to find some answers on a particular case.

Since I know very little on NYS law when it comes to this, where do I stand on collecting rent from people that I know have almost NO income? It's not like you can get blood from a stone. The amount owed is over $5000 and I have no clue on where to begin or even if I should.

You can file against them and even if they don't pay anything it can go on their credit report. You are right often it is a waste of your money to sue when you know they don't have the money to pay.

If they have no money, they have no money.

You will have to find their job if they have one. Find bank accounts and more

Yeah you might be able to get wages garnished if they have a job.

You first need to get a judgment from the Courts in order to go after them for back rent. If the property manager did not obtain this, then you cannot legally go after the tenant for back rent. The property manager cannot just "go after" them without the proper legal paperwork in place.