Based on @Josh Compton and @Eric Black 's ardent responses I am now even more concerned about salacious missives based on my unusually good looking profile pictures.

The houses in this neighborhood originally had the w/d in the kitchen, so it's not all that unusual of a set up. 

These are unusual times.

Between these two locations which offers friendlier landlord laws, and the best opportunity in these uncertain times? 

The issue is that the Colorado river water was over appropriated during an unusually wet period.

With the recent increase in people who are moving to Texas, the other markets are experiencing an unusual increase. 

I used to work abandoned properties and found out it is really not that unusual for past due mortgages to go unpaid for years or decades without foreclosure.  

It's still uncertain how that will play out.

Of course I'd like to see results faster than that if possible.Things I am uncertain about:1 - Whether or not to separate the lead generation/prospect management function from the underwriting/due diligence/paperwork function - ie employ two part time people rather than one full time person.2 - Compensation structure for the lead generation person - pure salary?

Tenants will likely beat the crap out of the place so you need everything to be bullet proof and cost effective.If you are uncertain reno to suite your taste and sell to recoup your investment when it is time to move.