Chances are you have someone with honor transparency and integrity on your hands and that is very rare.If the answer is no... well, if he lied to the homeowner, why would you think he would not lie to you?

That’ll create higher chances of your project finishing ahead of time and create better alignment with you and your general contractor.

There's a good chance the issue(s) you face has already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

Think on that, a person has an 80%+ chance of there "pick" not just loosing, but possibly going to $0..... 

REI is an ever changing landscape and you're chances for success are greater when you learn from and hear from others who have the experience.

What you need to do is show what compelling argument makes taking this chance on you make sense. 

There's a good chance the issue(s) you face has already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

Otherwise you take your chances with nothing.

If in the rare chance they do allow short term rentals in the HOA rules/regulations and association documents, don't be surprised if they change that ruling after you buy. 

Treat this first year as a chance to gain experience and refine your approach.