The catch was that there was no cap outlined in the partnership agreement and the fee was going up each year sine the 80s...

My options are as I outlined above.I have not listed it yet on VRBO or Airbnb because local vacation rental specialists have advised me that I cannot likely rent it for enough to cover all those expenses, especially as we now heading to our off-season when temperatures will be 110° or greater

You need to ask for an estoppel letter from the HOA, typically via the attorney, which outlines the unpaid dues along with all the other junk attorney fees.  

@Jim Adrian I check both my county and state and no restrictions are outlined in the law for pet rent.  

When my girlfriend moves in she might pay 280 and then I will be saving for my next duplexKeep in mind that this 4 step process I outlined takes time (anywhere from 1 to 10yrs depending on the person) so keep the big picture in mind but don't let it stress you out too much.

@David ThompsonHello David,Thanks for your detailed response and an education outline!

JWSDisclaimer: Nothing outlined above shall be relied upon and/or considered legal advice.  

Outlining your goals is a great start.

I follow up those visits with emails to the managing broker outlining the benefits of the service and asking for an in-person meeting.Craigslist - I can work with agent in any market, so I've started putting up postings in the "real estate services" ads in other cities (though CL seems pretty hard-nosed about multiple postings!)

@Daniel Mohnkern   By leaving everything in the name of the seller and not receiving the deed and putting 20k into rehab then you are taking a huge risk, even if you have a strong contract outlining the deal if the seller decided to take the renovated home and sell it quickly on the down low then I would be faced with litigation, attorniey fee's and a lot of time fighting to get this money back.