But now, the HOA is trying to charge me a $500 "legal fee" from the attorneys for:"receipt and review of substitute trustee deed showing foreclosure and new owner of property, Forward copy of STD to association with new ownership information, and account balance information due to foreclosure, Draft motion to dismiss (prior owner of the property), draft order dismissing case, draft filing letter to the court."

Do either of you know if I have the contractor, or handyman, sign a indemnification agreement releasing me (and my company) of any responsibility if they get hurt on the job, if this can substitute for insurance?

It can be a real expense, but good property management makes a big difference in your long-term cash flow, and poor management can put your investments into the red quicker than you’d think.Second, there’s no substitute for the old adage: location, location, location!

I know it can be hard to pin down a real estate attorney that provides the specialized services you need, but if you're looking to perform more complex real estate transactions in the future there's no substitute for building a good relationship with a local attorney.

There is really no substitute for boots on the ground. 

I know that advice posted here is not substitute for that of an attorney, but do I have reason to meet with one?

If you are using/trying to use the emergency repairs angle as a substitute for an eviction that will probably not work. 

The court has recently (3 weeks ago) granted motion to substitute purchaser (i.e., approved me as a substitute purchaser).

She files a TRO that day and on the 18th, i'm in court, happy that i have the law on my side and low and behold, MY judge calls in sick and i have some substitute judge.

Most of them are priced about $50k too high.There is a cap on profitability in rentals that is influenced by the principle of substitution - once it is the same or less money to own instead of rent, people will often do that.