I'm all for seeing others get away from the rat race and have the grit to fight and create their own success story.

Good luck fighting this....you'll need it.

Among many other reasons, I can think of at least three times someone tried to fight me, leaving a gas station or a restaurant there.

Personally, I wouldn't spend money on an attorney because 1) I think the covenants/restrictions can sensibly be used against STRs and 2) because the HOA potentially has deep pockets if the officers decide to fight because they can pass the cost of the fight to the home owners.I would reach out to the officers to get their sentiments and to plead my case, and I would start building my case with the other homeowners. 

If they're fighting, that isn't your problem.Showings:Because properties are occupied, we've moved to only showing a property to someone with an approved application.

Of course, there is very literally entities out there who make there living via filling frivolous lawsuits than offering settlements at cost savings vs one fighting to prove innocence, and they target those "marks" based on such searches.     

If I didn't put in an offer they would fight over it.

Both signed the lease, so I think I split it in half and give it to both and let them go fight it out.   

Quote from @Eric Irvine: Agree with what Jay outlined above.  1% is right around the going rate but things can fluctuate based on the specific deal, lender, capital available, etc... 

Given the bureacracy and corruption of the city government, I recommend hiring an experienced tax attorney to fight any assessment.