Fortunately, the seller was cooperative and patient, and we only lost about two weeks in the process.

Texas tends to favor landlords in these cases, but follow the legal process exactly—any misstep could delay things.As for protecting against retaliation or property damage, installing security cameras (if you haven’t already) to monitor common areas might be worth it.

I know this is above and beyond what most municipalities require, but being fair will make the whole process easier.Additionally, a new landlord can reduce the 60-90-day notice by offering more moving assistance (cash and/or labor) if they move sooner rather than later.

You could then complete the construction and build your primary where you want on the land.It's a bit of a complicated process. 

This can be especially helpful if you’re uncertain about repair assumptions or costs.If it’s a contractor you’ve worked with multiple times, involving them early in the process is often beneficial.

As a result, this isn’t the kind of market that attracts top-tier PM talent.Your best solution might be to either:1.Take on self-management if possible (and if you’re willing to put in the time/effort).2.Find an individual you can trust to handle these properties, set up very specific instructions and processes, micro-manage them initially to ensure standards are met, and compensate them well to make it worth their while.This approach requires more oversight on your part but can yield better results in markets like this.

Transportation options are plentiful.

Depending on the volume you would be submitting, find a company that does not have high monthly minimums and can walk you through the process if this is your first time using.

. :)We definitely want to invest in true vacation rentals as well but this will be a good learning process with not as much risk to start.  

@Shawn Questa I agree with you that there could be some opportunity here, but personally, with that little equity in the property, I'd wait for the pre-foreclosure process to start and  perhaps you can do a short sale (though I don't know the details on how that's handled in TX).