Second option would be to buy a condo but what I’m very weary is dealing with an HOA and how well are managed.

I frequently travel back and forth (about an hour) to check on things, collect rent, and participate in HOA meetings.

I figured since I am by myself starting smaller with a condo and a small HOA fee would be the best move.

We are a small 6 unit HOA and are considering adding a gate to a shared private drive way.

Our cap is $270k based off my own calculations to what we will afford together (priced in with property tax utilities, flexibility with pay, etc) and found quite a few under it, obviously the lower the better.. but not sure anything about HOA or Mello Roos..

I've recently discovered the members living in the home have not paid the taxes due nor the HOA fees for a very long time.  

Many of the fields are the same for each of the homes in the development - HOA, insurance, some others. 

So if I find a mortgage, and some HOA fees, and I buy the state tax lien, what happens to the other inferior liens, and what is then my relationship with those inferior lien holders?

Also I'm putting my primary residence on the market because I'm tired of paying an HOA!

It’s not a good time to sell, so I’m hoping I can at least cover my HOA fees by turning it into a residential rental.