If you are concerned about move in date, ask for a nonrefundable holding fee.

@Robert MelcherWhile you could save the abandonment process with an application deposit if they do not occupy, my greater concern would be if they DO want to occupy under your scenerio of executing the lease priorSince you can't lockout in Texas.

This is my concern.

They are most concerned with the amount of return that can be realized.  

I have about 150k I could come up with another 50-75k (getting creative)If I don't want risk putting down the cash may finance some (above 100k)Questions:What would concern you about this auction?

My concerns are that even if we are going to deal with it, and have a certification from a mold remediator, if the problem returned, I can find myself deal with a "mold is gold" lawyer.What do you think?

Either tell them to remove it because it is a fire risk or upgrade.Do as you deem best and don't concern yourself with what the tenants think.

What I am concerned about is, if I continue to rent my 1br/ba apt, I will have thrown away $21.6k every year($1800x12months).

My objective is to have my payments go towards something rather than just throw it away, cash flow is not a big concern unless I decide to rent it out later. 

I'm not as much concerned about discussing the pros/cons of the STRP business, but trying to get a sense of when is the return "worth it?"