@Dana WhickerSo I managed to get my self on the HOA board by using the bylaws against them.

I like that you include management expense, even if you may self-manage while living in one of the units. 

OR, watch a few YouTube videos  produced for self promotions and write a check and then pray t all works out!!!

@Matt Watson - Are you self managing? 

Self Managing?

Show a big bank your $400k in mutual funds and $300k in stocks and $250k in retirement, also that you don't have a bunch of rentals or self employment or landlord income, and will thus be easy to underwrite, and the big banks will stomp guts relative to anyone else.

I've lived down here for about a year and I work as an aerospace engineer at a defense company.

I am self taught in all of this so far.

Are you self employed or work for a company?

I currently self manage some very successful short-term rentals.