Thinking that we were not going to be able to match them up well enough ourselves (due to weathering), I planned on painting the roof.Back fence was damaged pretty good.

I work full time in Hotel Forecasting & Finance.

I digress...Birmingham is a charming city with good weather, great food, and a certain comfort to life. 

Only downside is that perpetual $2 toll on the BOG got it fighting gorge weather in winter can be a challenge so I suspect you get to work from home a bunch ..and I think that if I am not mistaken is about the wettest place in Oregon / WA  :)

It is extremely moist down there and we have had a stretch of 90 plus degree weather with extreme humidity the last 2 weeks so we are now worried about mold.

Not trying to negate your project but just saying that you need check your assumptions and their stress test those in your forecast before you get started. 

Useful article: Developing The All-Weather Real Estate Portfolio

Stockpile as much cash as possible to weather a storm, be vigilant on the acquisition, and get your systems organized now while there is still stability.

Forecasting future rent is hard.

Also know that it might not be a fast recovery, in fact it might take a few years. you need to be able to weather a very long and hard storm.