A couple things...take these with a grain of salt as this is my own journey and everyone is different and not one real estate investment story is the same. 

The other thought is to keep trying to fight against the grain and get that duplex someway somehow.

Residents have it good here as far as weather, outdoor activities, and food!

I went from broke on food stamps to running a multi-million dollar coaching business.

So they hedge up on rates and LLPA/GSE fee's so that the banks have to charge higher rates.This is all politics and unfortunately this new party is hammering Gas prices, Interest rates, food costs, etc... 

Do you want to spend X amount on letters that just end up in the drawer with the fast food coupons? 

It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 

Disclaimer: I am not a CPA and this is not tax advice, you should consult your own professional licensed CPA for this type of advice.Based on my personal experience, your travel costs to and from TX including food, rental car, gas, hotel, air travel, etc. are all costs of doing business and deductible.

Food in the fridge?

I put myself in the shoes of the guests when they could potentially see roaches in the food cupboards or a rat running around.