The charges are mainly due to it being a vacant building. 

I know how to find a building owner using county records, so I cross reference for the most recent name on title.

I'm a real estate agent, investor and developer in central Houston (i build duplexes).

A half decent carpenter can build the cabinets and drawers in a day.  

Build prices today depend on who your builder is and where your building is including real estate prices etc.

It may make sense to build new properties.  

I believe that starting out, you would need to find an investor lawyer and accountant to help you set up the legal entities in both countries, then research your market, find financing, build a team, and so on. 

The purchase price was 1.375m The property was 8 buildings of 40 or so units scattered in a D area with F tenants.

Tarrant county is so overlooked by landlord investors but it seems the list of large companies building large facilities with lots of employees on the Fort Worth side is never-ending.

Your commitment to building a portfolio of long-term rental properties is truly inspiring.Best of luck on your journey!