Good news is that even though population and multi family properties are low, demand for rental property is high.

Meet all of those demands and then go back to the city for approval, as outlined earlier.  

I work full time in Healthcare IT (software Program Manager - very visible and demanding) so I'm trying to decide whether to pursue a small claims court filing or writing this off as a learning experience on how to deal with inheritied tenants.  

This is driven by very good monthly revenue, especially in the summer months where demand will drive prices up, which more than compensates for the lower season months.This may sound like more bad than good; it’s not.

While you don't have much to lose, i think it has to hinge on demand.  

I think that Waxahachie should be a good place to be as long as what you will be doing is in demand there.  

You want this Land lord -Tenant relationship to start off right, but remember you don't have to give in to their demands.

City won't care about your profits, they would be more interested that you're building a multi-family because the neighborhood demands it and lack of residency vs job availability is asking for more homes to be made available and you're there to fill that void.  

Whether you’re keeping your day job and want passive income or you’ve decided to make this a full-time career, each investment property you own demands time, attention and a lot of practical know how to remain profitable.I have been a successful landlord for over a decade, but it took me several years and quite a few mistakes to learn how to make money with my residential rentals.

Interview property managers/management companiesand get their opinion on whether a certain property or neighborhood is in demand.3) Is the agent sending you only his listings?