Had we scheduled the closing in the morning, there would not have been an issue.The only potential upside is that a disaster area declaration triggers changes in mortgage rules that could beneficial to the buyer. 

Ensure the property transfer doesn’t trigger your lender’s due-on-sale clause if there’s a mortgage.

If your new LLC is a disregarded entity (single-member or owned solely by you and your spouse in a community property state), it won’t trigger a taxable event, and you’ll continue reporting income on your personal return.

Right now I'm pulling the trigger on a property in Dallas.

No tax so far I think.2) If I convert that partnership interest into shares in a PUBLICLY traded UPREIT I trigger tax on the deemed sale/exchange of the partnership interest into stock of the REIT?

Lenders that can do either, will generally start with soft pull to avoid having you end up in "trigger lead pool".You really didn't even need to get pre-qualified with anyone to a get rate and fee quote.

One more tip – people remember stories that trigger their emotions.

Quote from @Isaac Terry: I was looking at homes in Akron & Clevand, they are affordable but since I'm out of state I'm not sure about pulling the trigger on investing. 

My primary is not ready and needs more work before I pull the trigger.

You can later transfer the property to the LLC, but be aware it might trigger due-on-sale clauses or additional costs.