Texas experiences just about every peril under the sun and more specifically over 600 separate wind/hail storms annually.  

I'll preface this with I've been "strategically lucky" in riding the appreciation wave over the past 2 years, but there is opportunity in any market, you just have to know how and where to look, and be patient. 4/2 cabin in Pigeon Forge purchased in May 2020 with 10% down - $38k.

Hold on tight buddy, it will be a bumpy ride... but a very awesome one!

The ride is 2 hours one way(4 hours round-trip).If you were serious - I would consider making the trip to explore the market every so often.

We are seeing clients diversify from the stock market because they think the ride is ending and putting it into real estate.  

It's not all glamorous yacht rides with bikini babes, as some would have you believe. :-)I think the struggles we go through make us stronger and better investors.  

Or should I just leave well enough alone and fill the empties with repos, increase lot rents minimally, and enjoy the ride?

All the guys that were working with us started riding him about it, but he explained two things to us.First, don’t mess with a Ranger.

Otherwise I'd just ride it out if they're asking for a reasonable extension, and you think they'll be able to resolve whatever the issue is.If it were me, I'd be cautious about biting off my nose to spite my face by walking away. 

Live beneath your means, cut back where you can, ride out unemployment as long as you can and make REI your full time job.