@Robert Gorra - I've had a similar experience where I've had a really hard time with getting GC's to even give me an estimate, and the few that have have been way overpriced (ie, they want me to put in $20k of cabinets in a budget flip) or have had their prices go up by about 40% and still not give me a firm price when I try to nail down the scope of work.

This would be an easy decision however I do not think you can come close even with you being active in the process.  

There are not a ton of comps on Zillow or other websites that I have checked and it was last sold a while ago so even these resources are unable to give me a quote.  

Loads of information on the forums and BP tools for you to expand your knowledge or find just about anything.I am on the lending side of things and am always happy to talk shop with investors looking to learn more about financing options out there, even if not in my resource pool.

Most mortgages aren't "assumable" (able to be transferred) and even if it is the new borrower would need to qualify the same as the original borrower.

We don't even a Board yet (it's a new build), and it's all being coordinated by the HOA management company for the building.The developer offered to make the new door key fobbed on each side for entry, and would install a new security camera. 

In short, I can afford the additional $1100/mo cost of a second house, even until I rent it out.I have around $35K in HYSA and emergency funds that I could use for a down payment, but that's less than 20% which would be required for a conventional loan, assuming full purchase price.

Is that why you’re leaning toward renting, even with a $1K/month loss?

It may even be higher than 5% depending on the area. 

Do I even need to say how ridiculous but unsurprising this is?