In my opinion, the private flood options rate maps are more accurate at assessing the “true risk” and associating a premium with it.That being said if your property is in an X-flood zone (those not required by lenders to have flood insurance) then the government policy (which is subsidized) is a no-brainer you get great coverage at a low cost. 

The common leases used in MN are the ones drafted by the MN Bar Associaiton and MN Multi-housing Association. 

And I have to assume rental rates for other unit will appreciate higher than inflation, plus my Dad's slight increase in his rent to me 'maybe'...I see this as a net gain for me as even taking a ~$3k loss (yes this doesn't include over costs associated with managing a rental) each year for say 10 years, I save $60k of an original downpayment and can push it all into as tax advantaged vanguard fund gaining hopefully more than my loss on a year over year basis.

I assume I should start with the REIA associated with the area I choose to invest in, which goes back to question 1?

I would say the biggest concern with a condo association is to make sure that the association is in good financial standing. 

Again, this is not a big deal and can be downloaded from various landlord association websites.Bottom line, make sure the walls are all properly sealed.

I personally won't buy in HOA communities unless it's an easy flip where the association won't be a nightmare.

What are your thoughts on addressing the need for rehabs throughout the hold cycle and the associated cost?

You need to get an attorney involved ASAP.Look for someone through the Mass Bar Association who has a track record in defending these kinds of cases. https://www.massbar.org/public/lawyer-referral-ser...My understanding is the same as yours - if a property is not inspected and approved by the local housing administration (the local authority that administers Section 8), then Section 8 renters are not able to rent there.It's just a guess, but if your PM said something like "we don't rent to section 8", that could be the basis of the complaint. 

Charging below market rent can allow the IRS to disallow deductions related to the rental portion.2) You should be able to expense/capitalize costs associated to indirect items to the whole house.