And while he didn't leave a forwarding address, he left a huge mess, significant damage, and a $1300 unpaid water bill that I have to eat.

Who would not love to have to clean up a place and do repairs time after time because of what a tennent might do in damages?

We lost communication with our contractor for weeks at a time, and given our proximity to the property were terrified of firing him because of the potential damage he and his team would cause, setting us even further behind. 

I would probably just let the vehicle owner know what company removed it and provide tow company with vehicle owner information.I would imagine Texas is similar to Florida where you would be able to easily make the call to get the vehicle removed from your private property, but the additional steps would help you out on the off chance they go after you civilly for having the vehicle removed, any damages as the result of the tow, or business methods the tow company may employ in an attempt to make money from the vehicle owner for the time they have the vehicle on their lot (who knows with tow companies).

They were there for six years before I took over management so the damage was done and we kept them as long as possible, knowing we would have to gut the place when they left. 

Isaac Braun you are owed rent until it is RE rented plus any damages (security deposit - Paint, flooring, etc) plus RE-leasing fee or lease termination fee if it’s in your contract.Most highly qualified people won’t stop paying rent, forcing you to evict them and get a $$ judgement messing up their credit.

Our past tenant caused some damage that needed repair during her lease.

And I would advise incorporating a liquidated damages clause which sits alongside this progress schedule.

This is because Texas requires landlords to take reasonable steps to keep their losses to a minimum—or to “mitigate damages” in legal terms. 

Liability (bodily injury & Property damage)2.