@Curt Treece that only leads to over-leveraging and the income not properly supporting the debt load

A proper modern Crawlspace has >= 24” clearance thus all sewer lines are easily accessible. 

The PMC has found quality vendors, negotiated reduces rates for their clients' properties, verified the vendor is properly insured, received and diagnosed the complaint, hired the vendor, coordinated with the tenant, received the invoice, paid it and tracked it for 1099 reporting and does that each year as well.  

If you go with a proper TK operator, your passive income should be greater than zero starting from the first year.

The unit is still functional, but it is dirty, greasy, and infected with Cockroach.

The fact they are complaining online might be an indication the property manager dealt with them properly so be sure to ask the manager for their side of the story.7.

Nobody on this forum can properly answer that question for you as there are too many variables. 

Given that you live in Dubai, have little experience and are unlikely to properly scout Houston, the latter is your best option.

Or do I need to tear it back open and install proper supports?

Condition, age, and functionality can also be adjustments.