Playing the appreciation only angle is more risky not to say it can't play out over the long haul but in dips it may be harder to keep those properties if you can't pay the mortgage or when renter's have the upper hand and want concessions.Texas gets a lot of that money for a variety of reasons as the cost of living is lower obviously, a pro business environment, center of the country for logistics hubs (like around Dallas area) hence, companies are moving HQs here or have very significant regional operations that are expanding.  

I'm in it for the long haul.

They were researched, had boots on the ground and were ready to kick *** and take names over the long haul.

When going through this process are you joining big companies (Lifestorage, U-HAUL, etc), or creating your own and managing yourself usually.

In the overall scheme of things my personal assets (boat,car, toys, and cash on hand,etc) are much smaller than the equity in my rentals.

My main focus however is on commercial real estate, and staying  away from residential over the long haul. 

The smell may be from leaking garbage bags being hauled down the hallway.If it's carpet maybe replace it with an easier to clean material, and scheduled some regular cleanings (as often as needed).This might be a fix vs trying to compete with the stink with a sweet smell.If you do this, be sure whatever you choose is temperature stable dimensionaly for your hallway micro climate.Good Luck!

@Carlos Gonzalez that passion and actually liking what you do is essential to get started and to continue for the long haul !

I'd focus on getting it rented ASAP.Update: PM rented the unit in a span of 2 weeks after the left overs were hauled.

If you get involved in a 3 figure lawsuit, toy are going to lose even if you win.