Best Price Range to buy in?

[Cheryl R.]

Which would you choose?

Lowest average price 1100 to 1500 sq ft home that costs around 190k and rents for 1400 (crime is higher in this area, but not really bad). 

Better school area 1100 to 1500 sq ft home that costs 290k and rents for 1600 (maybe a little less)

Bigger house in either area?  (not sure about the rents because I have not rented a larger house)

Also, how do you deal with hard to please hoa if you already own the house?  I get a letter every single month... things like:  mailbox "dirty", ruts next to driveway, car parked on street (renter had family visiting for five days), garbage cans stored in side yard,  "bald" spot in yard (it was winter).  I suspect the hoa does not want renters and specifically looks at my house twice a month...and always finds something.