I'm studying information here to figure out a way to make the equity in my home useful in some way, and I hope that something I have already been through will be able to help someone else, too.

Honestly, every time I drive down a street that seems "expensive" where all the houses are impeccable and maintained, there is always one at the end of the street that has something going on with it!

It requires the landlord to maintain a "habitable" residence.  

I provided a study that included a guy who doubled the price of generators and went to jail after a hurricane.

In addition, you may want to contact a board member/attend a board meeting and ask about future plans, ask the last time the reserve fund has been evaluated by a third party (there are regulated ratios that must be maintained). 

I have a well maintained three family home that will be fully occupied as soon as I move out of this apartment.

I had a guy that I have been using to fix my properties here and there offer to take care of all of them (which is 4 properties as of now but will be adding 2 more soon) if I let him live in one of them for free? I wo...

Being a US government entity, it is a safe investment for 5 years but why on earth is it not being maintained?

Although I may be pulling out since they are not maintaining the property per their lease with the seller. 

If you are not hitting that, its probably going to cost you more to get and maintain your license.