They don’t want to drive more than an hour each way every day.

I would recommend doing a "reduced" (~60%-70%) leverage refinance which would help drive your rate down as much as possible and hopefully still maintain the cash flow that you would like to have, especially since they are free and clear.If you were to go the portfolio route, I would confirm with the lender you use what their 'occupancy requirement' is.

Disappointing to hear that the 8s are high, but at least the numbers still cash flow and we're in deep on this deal, so I'll consider my options here and consider what a re-finance looks like later.Appreciate your input guys!

As long as you have the knowledge, drive, and a great/qualified team to work with, you can find success in most places.

Pretty common for tree roots to grow into a cast line or clay.

Being a former college athlete has always made me dedicated to what drives me each and everyday.

If so, and it drives the bids up in price I'll be sure to send him a thank you note!!

Get rid of them , the roots are right next to the foundation 

As the options come in you or someone needs to analyze their potential, do a drive by, get in to see it, and then someone would need to estimate the rehab - a quick way to do this yourself is ask three different GCs what their price per square foot is on a full gut and average them out and use that price per square foot for your rehab estimates.But let's say you get a funnel started and even analyzers to pick out the gems among the muck, now you need your contractor to come in and give you his estimate and then you need your financing lined up and get your term sheet based on your offer, the rehab, and what you think the ARV will be. 

While opinions may vary, I rely on data to help drive real estate decisions and planning.Key ConsiderationsEducational Attainment: 77008 boasts higher numbers of residents with bachelor's (12,241) and master's degrees (5,739) compared to 77063.Demographics: 77063 has a higher percentage of foreign-born residents (41.02%) which typically indicates a strong rental market and with 76.86% renter-occupied versus 32.60% in 77008.Economic Factors: Median income in 77008 is $140,609 with a low unemployment rate of 3.37%, whereas 77063 shows lower median income ($51,899), higher unemployment (9.99%), and more families below the poverty level (16.51%), which may indicate economic diversity but also potential rental payment risks​​.Age Distribution: 77008 has more middle-aged residents (35-54) [8970 compared to 6,115] and a slightly higher proportion of young adults (25-34) compared to 77063 but both are popular with younger adults suggesting strong rental markets equally exist.Housing Market: 77008 features a higher percentage of family households (52.39%) and married-couple families (44.77%), suggesting stability and potential for property appreciation.Digital Advertising Demand: Houston Heights apartments (77008): 50,000 average monthly searches.