If you are considering buying as an investor, then absolutely, take HOA due into account.

I am a small landlord and am wondering as well if getting rid of one or 2 water meters might be the only thing I could do, and then have the water account in my name so I can track usage? 

You have other net rental income (profit) in other activities / rentals (cannot be self-rentals typically) that you can offset, and / or3.

I owned and lived in duplexes and triplexes where I lived in part and rented out part.On the incomes taxes, the owner occupied part is not included in the schedule E.

So banks can just say they hold for investment - which equates now to $517B in unrealized losses because of this accounting trickThe moment banks have to move these to their liabilities on the books that will suck a lot of liquidity out of the market due to fractional lending…. https://dailyhodl-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/dailyhodl.com/2024/06/02/517000000000-in-unrealized-losses-hit-us-banking-system-as-fdic-warns-63-lenders-on-brink-of-insolvency/amp/?

Once you have that figure, estimate the monthly payment and potential rental income to calculate your DSCR ratio, ensuring it meets your lender's requirements.

When they screw up, I hold them accountable.

When you're looking for your first rental - I would suggest using a mortgage calculator to help you calculate your monthly expenses vs rental income.

I have several properties now that the office is closed on Monday or Wednesday during the week as an 'office day' .Depending on when the property is closing out their accounting month, that would be a busy day also. 

I'd say if your goal is immediate passive income to replace your job, then do some research on markets, and hustle to get that cash flow no matter where it is.