We have spoken to our REA, and they were also unaware of the second set of dues indicating that the seller did not disclose this information and that the title company search did not properly identify the HOA.

Is that an indication of laziness or efficiency?

What the house next door sold for last week is no indication of what your house will sell for in 6 months.

A good credit history however does indicate someone who is likely to pay their bills on time, including utility bills and rent.

Focus primarily on those close to the mean to identify more accurately what things seem to sell for and that gives you a good indication of where to target your negotiations on a property (much like having blue book numbers when buying a car).  

Elsewhere you indicate $110 per month, which works out to be about $27.50 per door per month.

OUCH.At lease moderate the choice to something not only more politically correct but at least technically more indicative:-  Owner, Controller

Letters of Office indicating the official judicial decree granting the executor/administrator the 'official' right to act in that capacity.

Without any background in construction or house maintenance though I'm worried that I don't have any clue what I'm looking for in a rental property.What are the the most important things you look for when first checking out a property that might indicate it's worth a closer look, or you should move on?

I think I have noticed a dip in rental prices in recent months, and online research indicates that rental pricing may really drop during the winter.However, I found a few homes that look like they could give me good CoCROI for this area.