@Drew Eldridge Hospitalist here.Bought my first rental investments during residency.After wasting my intern year renting, I lit a fire under my own @ss and bought a property in my second year to become a homeowner, then became a self-managing landlord upon buying my second home during my third year of residency. 

How have others effectively dealt with these types of HOA situations?

I skipped calling a broker and wasting there time and decided to call owner.

If FoxConn happens it is so big, it does not matter where you are, ripple and displacement effects will raise the tide for all boats in the greater Milwaukee metro area.

Should I continue to see this through and finish the course anyway to receive the license or was this a waste of time and money?

You'll waste your time and effort trying to get something to work.

I’d hate to waste anyone’s time. 

I wont waste everyone's time hear, but if you want to hear how bad things can go with a rental property, feel free to contact me at (the website didn't allow me to post my email). 

Find a good inspector that is trusted by professionals in your area and get a good pulse on the effective life of your big ticket items (Roof, HVAC, HW heater, etc.) and calculate out how much each will cost to replace, then do the math backwards for what you need to put aside for CAPex and maintenance. 

If its a waste of time or not etc.