The most pressing goal I would like to accomplish is to establish a network of RE professionals within the DFW area.

The A/C isnt cold enough, etc.Depending on size and configuration OP can do somewhere between a little and a ton better than the stated price.

(Accidentally pressed 'post' haha!)

So, here's your problem (and what a nice problem to have) - I think you'd be hard pressed to 1031 into anything that improved your roi on your current property.  

Well in my leases I have a clause that the tenant must have heat and electric on at all times but likely the company wouldn't shut them off until April because they can't turn services off in cold weather in this area and then if they were to get shut off, I'd just issue a notice to comply.

Internet news is that GM will be closing four plants in MI in 2017 and layoff ~1700 employees, so maybe this is not quite the right time just yet.Don't mean to throw cold water on Detroit but IMO, it's much like waiting for the popcorn to start popping - - it takes awhile.

First, lookup Fair Housing Regs and maybe there's a State version too (there is in Calif).Try the Nolo Press books for Landlords and its parallel for Tenants.

At this point to not make any demands of repairs, it will seem retaliatory and will make them want to press the issue to get a new tenant.  

I've had success sourcing deals for other investors through mailers, cold-calling.

I know a plumber that says," it's actually a cold water heater, because hot water doesn't need to be heated."