Following with great interest.I've dealt with strata councils for condos before and am familiar with some of the dumb things they'll try to do; this has pushed me away from HOA's for future investment as I see similar patterns / horrors like what's described here (ouch!)

I have yet to discover what the pattern is as I just started with them.

Research a few of the article topics about patterning  with other investors so you have an idea of what you need to do. 

You will begin to recognize patterns in price point, presentation and availability. 

How many boards before it repeats the pattern? 

@Bill S, thank you for the advice, I'm still having a little bit if a hard time figuring out what that "unfair advantage" is for me, other than a decent instinct at recognizing patterns in the market, so maybe I need to spend some more time figuring that out before moving on.

Keep in mind that negative reviews don't necessarily mean a bad manager but a pattern of negative reviews indicating the same conditions or practices is a bad sign.

Currently most block is what is known as split face CMU which looks like thisLarger samples look better but there is no pattern look.

Many people adorn their kitchen with the best kitchen countertops and make sure that they are selecting from the best marble countertops.

@Christopher TellesYou are looking at about $5,000 per bathroom which would include labor and materials (demo of the old bath, new tub, new diverter and trim kit, new vanity with granite or cultured marble top, new sink faucet, new toilet, new tile surround, new tile floor, and lastly a towel / shower rod).