@Fabian G.You pretty much nailed the pros and cons.

Thanks,CurtDon nailed it.

There were maybe a dozen large dry wall holes to patch (larger than nail holes). 

We are still trying to nail down our desired city to start investing and have lived in Evanston in the past, so know the city fairly well.

When your tenant is ready to move out and they have left 75 nail holes  in your walls without patching them you will be glad you had a month’s deposit as compensation… and I have had 250 before!  

@Jay HinrichsYou have hit the nail on a number of heads! 

Unfortunately, I stepped on a rusty nail, barefoot.

In the thread, he says that he wasn't required by law to disclose the past issue that were now remediated (horrible smell, dead cats, hoarders for 20+ years living in the property - it's a great read but not if you are squeamish) but did so anyway to preserve his reputation.

So selling TX Hi and buying SD high as well would at least preserve your position for the next uptick and eliminate that TX boom bust thing.

I also thought about a compromise by making a partial wall with an opening instead of a door to preserve the feeling of openness...but bottom line is I want to get highest rent possible for least amount of cost going in.