I would talk to the state lisc board that governs them and file a formal complaint regarding their practices.

It cost hundreds in fees (multiple properties) and had we paid the bills we would have risked overpaying by thousands which would have put a strain on the cash flow since the overpayment would have been held by the government and applied to future bills six months from now.

UHNW investors with tens of millions in cash wanting to beat out government bonds long term, and CD's but want to own hard real estate assets that are not as volatile as other investments (stocks,etc.).  

There's stuff like this in every government regulation; weird little tricks that go around conventional wisdom. 

Affordable housing is important for the long term viability of the middle class in big cities but maybe the government doesn't have a right to commandeer private property in order to meet their goals. maybe they need to be funding affordable housing initiatives by encouraging development or providing housing vouchers beyond what the Feds do. just a thought. 

The government has incentivized me to pay more property taxes by giving me a lot of breaks on my income taxes.

It will be interesting to see not only on-campus transformation, but also how off-campus medical office space evolves in the West End, Beacon Hill and Government Center.https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2019/05/13/first-look-mgh-plans-1-million-square-foot.html?

The government can place a tax lien on the property and force a sale where the lending institution would have to defend the lien.

Why did cities think they have the right to tell people how to rent out their homes because the government doesn't do enough to expand housing stock?

You will have to read through the governing documents of your HOA. that will outline where common property ends and where your property begin. if the pipe that is leaking only services your unit, it may be your property.