In Houston the "slums" are seeing active construction and increasing government presence (beautification agendas, active city notices to clean up, etc.) as there is a mass movement for "urban living" within these areas 15 min or less to downtown/medical center.

Our flood policy rates have already increased by over 50% due to the $250 surcharge on investment property on top of our regular $450 premium, which also is increasing, and that is for a newer property not in a subsidized area.  

Also, do you use your management company for every aspect, including booking the rentals, or are you using sites like VRBO and homeaway to book and just using the management companies for cleaning/maintenance?

The selling is going to get a check for the full amount either way (This is a clean sale not a REO or foreclosure).

I would get out of house clean with the bank.  

I like removing that problem, even if it costs more, because everything is clean without concerns and potential future problems that can pop up with little warning.

However, in a big snow I anticipate needing someone to clear the sidewalk and do some alley clean-ups since the City can ticket the Owner the sidewalks are not shoveled. 

But good luck getting even "clean" renters to submit to that.

There are pet fees, non-refundable cleaning fees, pro-rated rent, et cetera. 

I have a regular job with an income of $65,000/year ( that I am ready to resign ), do not own a house, and a good credit, around 760.