I figure 1-2 section 8 tenants per building could provide enough guaranteed income that I should be able to weather most storms.

It's expensive, but it's gorgeous and you can't beat the weather.

Make sure the building is energy efficient with good insulation, thermal windows, and proper weatherizing.

There are genres of business that have been met with resistance, but there are a few business ideas I'm shocked no one has tried yet!

I know realtors will resist this, but ultimately it will cut maybe 5% out of the transaction to get rid of realtors.

ADDITIONALLY to this (this is the bonus ball) the developer has guaranteed 5 years rental income, weather they find tenants or not, i still get my $650/month rent cheque (-8% for management fees).  

I dont have to replumb an entire house if i replace the trap on a bathroom sink. yes i need Smoke and CO detectors, and the property has to meet Wisconsin Rental weatherization Standards, (one time in the properties life) Yes I manage the rehabs, and swing the hammer a little, by choice, but i could easily be hands off on that, and manage by phone, you still check on and manage a stock portfolio, if you dont your a fool for trusting a manager that's still gota work for a living to manage your money. 

We have had a really strange weather year in Texas and Houston has been hit pretty hard plus they're talking about a more active than normal hurricane season this year.

Nail holes in the trim were filled with caulking, maybe, the drywall texture was as consistent as the weather, apparently there was no more paint on earth, a nice sharp cut tile nosing at a bath tub.

As posted above the issue revolves around the political pressure being asserted by residents of the historic district who are resisting area homes being used as short-term (mostly VRBO and AirBNB rentals).