The city where my college is was at one point in time the furniture capital of the world, but sadly the year before my freshman year one of the worst economic downturns this country has seen since the Great Depression struck, and places where I was calling home were the hardest hit.

Houston is the 4th largest city in the nation with 2.3 million people with projected positive job growth. 

Once we capitalize to the point where we don't have to work so hard, I'll most likely still wanna work!

Amazon is building a 2.3 million (yes, 2.3 million) square foot distribution center.[4] Home Goods, a national home furnishing retailer, is set to build an 800,000 square foot distribution center.

I am a national sales manager for a text mobile marketing company.

Now , if I do take the cash now , ill be hit with short term Capital gains & if I BRRR it I wont. what do you think of that?

If you hold them longer than a year you should be able to claim profits as long term capital gains which would lower the tax.

Payments are too high compared to rent. you're over $650 per month before maintenance, property management, capital ex reserves, etc...

In my opinion, I would use the capital as a large down payment, or cash purchase.

Cash flow = Rents - PITI - Expenses (Property Management 10%, Vacancy 8%+, Utilities, Repairs and Incidentals, Capital Expenses fund, Legal and Accounting)9.