We have resigned to the fact that all sheetrock and insulation and flooring needs to be pulled out of the house -- even then we are concerned that the smell is in the actual wooden studs and attic.   

If you are that back in times “cabin”, old “wood style” home with ugly fabric couches and brown wooden walls, it is hard to charge good money no matter if you are long term or short term rental.Consider accepting pets - only 40% of the cabins in Big Bear Lake do.Provide a hot tub or see if you have space for indoor jet tub - only half of the listings have the amenity.

I love the wine rack over the frig, great touch!

Do you have a recommendation for a keypad type for a wooden gate?

No placement fees though, since that would rack up for the owner with more than 3+ tenants per year. 

Instead, they're valued as an amenity, like a swimming pool or wooden porch.

As you mentioned there's an influx of people migrating to Texas and with that I don't want to potentially miss out on a great opportunity, but with this being my first investment ever it is nerve racking taking that step in the long distance route, hence why your experience and others really helps.

We just put in formica countertops bought off the rack at Menards.  

Worked hard to save, then racked up some debt, then had to pull myself out of it before I could get into the second one.

I need wooden beam in the basement replaced with I Beam, unfortunately my contractor that specializes in structural area has taken time off to focus on his personal property.