Central A/C is damaged beyond repair and needed to be replaced, which can't be done economically or with coopperation of the HOA and other neiighboring owners.

The worst they can say is no and give you a counter, or they ignore you and you try again a little higher, or wait a few weeks and try a little lower.

Pinky Finger is the dead giveaway of a Class A+ neighborhood!  

I’m looking into buying a rental(s) in this area.

Quote from @Kyle Hess: I'm building a list of tools you could have handy while touring a potential fix-and-flip. 

If a project is profitable, wouldn’t you rather have some cash flow rather than none?

If you have strong market knowledge and the ability to find deals, working in acquisitions for a syndicator or a real estate private equity shop could be a good fit. 

I'm still a believer in being a notary as a side gig!

The collateral makes a difference.2. 

Conversely, a new built A class SFR, in A class market of significant growth via a well laid out planned city development, great schools, area people are glamouring to move to, a-class tenants, very very low risk.