Hello BP!

Given the experience of everyone, and how no one here would likely do what I've done, I hesitate to write this... but could sure use the advice. Here is a little background...

In December 2013, I purchased a house at auction for $17,500 that was built by a local government in 1972 at a cost of $600,000. The property was structurally over-engineered to withstand category 5 hurricane winds, has a great floor plan, and the property has 4 mature cypress trees on 3/4 of an acre surrounded by a 6 ft. chain-link fence. The house is 8 feet off the ground, but still flooded in hurricane Katrina in 2005, although it didn't have any wind/hail damage. The local government gutted it, boarded it up, and forgot about it until I bought it in December 2013. 

I worked on it for about a year and a half, when I had extra money and time, with no real schedule or plans for what to do with it when it was done (more of a hobby). I moved to Texas for work and the rehab stopped for about two years (just kept the grass cut and the taxes paid). Around November 2017, I decided to start working on this house and get it finished up since I had approximately $88,000 tied up in it at the time (including purchase price). The inside is now 95% complete and should be done by the end of March. The outside has new doors/windows but still needs new siding and to be painted plus a little landscaping. I estimate about $35,000 more needs to be spent. When I finish, I'll have approximately $162,000 all-in. 

Capital gaines taxes scare me to sell and I don't know much about them, and I really would like to keep the house as a rental, but there are safer properties I can invest in within the Texas region I live. Taxes are practically nonexistent right now ($120 per year) and insurance is $9,000 per year (if I had it). No one will write me a policy on the house until it's complete so I'm almost to the point of getting insurance and need the property to cash flow to afford the insurance or I won't have a choice but to sell. Here are some numbers to help. Any advice would be appreciated on what I should do next. I have one long term rental in Texas now and closing on a second one in May. 

Total investment: $162,000

Est. market value: $225,000 - $245,000

Insurance: $9,000/Yr

Taxes (after construction): $2,100/Yr

Rents: Low end - $1,500/month & High end - $2,000