Well, before I am scared off Maybe I will drive all the way into Austin and visit some suppliers....15 minutes but again I am a sloth.

I would also focus on trying to mutually (or one-sided) end the contract rather than eviction, eviction should be a last resort.Have you checked with your local police to see if there is a landlord program where you get copied on any write-ups/visits that occur at your properties?  

Is there anything specific I'll need to bring with me when I visit the housing authority office after I close??  

Walking through on my visit, I could tell there will be some work to be done (new windows, foundation work, some cosmetic stuff, etc.).  

Come visit the local meetups and get to know some people.

It will be our first visit to the market.  

Since it is about 3 hours away from where I live I wouldn't be able to visit frequently, so I need something hands off.

Try visiting your local college's school of design and posting some info about your job opportunity in the architecture department.

If you’re checking out with more than $1000, it’s worth visiting the pro desk and asking them to send the purchase to “the bid room”. 

The maid service is $20 per weekly visit.