With the well system I would have the water tested high mineral content can cause problems with your plumbing and appliances in the home.  

@Loren Miner Don't let being an agent slow you down.

I had to work all the way through Thursday morning to get all of mine rented.

Does anyone know whether it's customary in Texas to leave the mineral rights with the prior owner?

@David Miner, no I haven't.  

By now, I wasn't surprised that the property didn't come with mineral rights.

I actually find locate absent minerals owners for my day job and I really enjoy solving the puzzle.

Whatever you decide will be best for you - BUT - if you do re-finish the floors....MAKE SURE you do the prep & clean work....after sanding - sweep at least twice.....then tack cloth (you can make them yourself - basically a rag with mineral spirits - VERY easy) - I went over the entire floor twice - I might even suggest three times....it gets the "crap" out of the pores of the wood & lets the wood take the stain much better....and the more coats of poly, the better - but take your time - as they ALL have to dry...MAKE SURE they are dry...

Chapter 34 tax sales and redemption Subchapter B redemption sec 34.21 (a) mentions “or the owner of a mineral interest sold at a tax sale to a purchaser other than a taxing unit, may redeem the property on or before the second anniversary of the date on which the purchaser’s deed is filed for record by paying the purchaser the amount the purchaser bid  for the property”.... just somewhat confused on how long is the redemption period in my case.

Securities are defined by the Securities Act of 1933http://www.sec.gov/about/laws/sa33.pdfThe definition is:The term ‘‘security’’ means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, security-based swap, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security, certificate of deposit, or group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a ‘‘security’’, or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoingSo, are loans securities?