The last thing that comes to mind is a hybrid debt instrument but that could get a little tricky.You aren't going to get any legal advice on here so if you are legitimately concerned you will want to talk to an attorney about your specific concerns and they will let you know if you can structure around it.

If it's a legitimate debt, the HOA would have put a lien on the house already, and this would have been discovered by your closing attorney.

You will typically want a legitimate company agreement.

I know I've seen some talk of this on other websites, and wasn't sure if it was a legitimate strategy, or if I was missing something. 

If they have a lease, they get the benefit of the duration of the lease (Assuming its a legitimate lease).

@Kevin Kite Foregoing legitimate tax deductions in order to get approved for a loan seems ridiculous to me, especially if it cost you $10k. 

However, after doing research that led me to this forum, I realize that company is probably not the best idea (I'm feeling like we narrowly dodged a bullet) I'm looking for legitimate and trustworthy turnkey companies that are in Michigan that any one can recommend that I can share with husband.

Federal rules state a payoff demand must be supplied within 7 days of legitimate request (unless state rule is more restrictive) so, again, chances are slim to none that you can put a deal together that quickly and even if you could, would have to be an all cash deal with authorized parties (Daughter as documented legitimate successor in interest).

are those really legitimate?

You do have legitimate reasons for wanting that porch empty.