You might want to be a lot more specific @Samantha Kornas, Completely fill out your profile, add a picture and let everyone know where you are located. 

It has lots of potential if we know how to improve, maintain and utilize these properties.

Typically the HOA owns the common areas -- the land, the land improvements, the exterior of buildings, the roof, the patios, etc -- and the homeowners own the interior only (i.e.

Hi Mindy, There is nothing that says that you can't occupy the home as long as it's in a qualifying zone and you substantially improve the property.

@Aubrey P.if you already own the land then you cannot exchange into improvements on it. 

I agree you need to find a way to increase your income, whether that be through a second job, starting a business or improving your skill set to land a more lucrative position.Doing a FHA 3.5% down house hack might be a great starting point for your family.

(With some improvement rent could maybe go higher)Basic utilities are covered by the landlord (electric and gas).

If you're still working on getting the feel for putting comps together yourself, there's a lot of ways to improve - BP webinars, local REIA's, books, etc.

As I wrote in my profile, I'm a returning REI newbie.

You now have near or absolute control of the association and can implement rules / regulations that improve the property / community.