@David Overcash I am sure we do know some of the same people.

If anyone has faced a similar issue with an HOA or has suggestions for next steps, I’d really appreciate your insights.

The audacity people have to trash your place, treat you like garbage and want their money back. 

Quote from @Brendan Jones: For the homes, and or properties that you will use as a primary or a rental property one big thing I look for is infrastructure in the area, extrinsic value (I.e. hospitals in the area, schools, and job market), and the last thing is creature comforts for people (I.e. is a store to get groceries 1 hour away or 2 minutes away).

People going to the university for whatever reason? 

Section 8 refers to a voucher that some people use to pay for their housing.

I am always looking to talk to like minded people. 

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.

People can smell commission breath.

About half the people I talk to are investors looking in that area.