If I was going to offer to sell a tenant a house like this, first I would want to know why they can't buy it today and understand that they have a solid plan to rectify that.

My personal opinions below, with a lot of generalities. 

But I did implied during an in person conversation, that they'd get their security deposit back, if the apartment was left in good condition.

In this case, as long as the person is making all payments as they are supposed to. 

Is maintenance on a “solid” house cheaper than expensive HOA fees?

A licensee has infinite more liability than a lay person.

Citizens;Native Americans born in the United States;Aliens or persons who are NOT citizens of the U.S. who are or may becomebona fide residents of OklahomaBusiness Entities or Trusts who are similarly attesting that they are either U.S.citizens or NOT U.S. citizens but may become bona fide residents ofOklahoma.

You get both by personal networking.

Set your sights on acquiring another solid deal.

Trying to explore if there are still pockets in Nova where the returns make sense, given the high prices.Nova is extremely low risk, which is why cap rates are so low, the issue I honestly see with nova right now is the cap rates are often times below what you could get in a bond, and leverage is hurting you right now, I wouldn’t say I Would recommend not investing in nova or investing in high risk market, but personally I’d rather get something in the 5-7 cap rate range and take on slightly more risk to do so.