Raising Rent on Less-Than-Great Tenants in Rural Texas

[Gary Cooper]

Hello. First time caller, long time listener. 

What are some good practices for increasing the rent on a rental I own? I inherited the property a few months ago with the renters settled in, and now the lease is up and they are month-to-month. The property is 200 miles away, so keeping it up is a bit of a hassle with the driving back and forth. The property taxes have increased noticeably since last year. 

Honestly, I'd like to sell the place but the inhabitants are not the best at keeping the property presentable - and are not responding to my calls. 

The property is in a growing community in Texas. 

Thank you all in advance for your help.