This may be true, if the HOA fails to intervene, but it does not affect the outstanding, and continually accruing, HOA dues.

Only problem is that I hate the HOA that I deal with..

But those places have exposed brick, which mine does not.As far as the warmth aspect goes, my gas is covered by the hoa, and my condo is about 750 Sq ft, so I'm not sure how much that will end up being a problem.I have two cats that's are declawed so pets aren't an issue for me, but I haven't decided if pets will be allowed when I eventually rent the place.The Plaza area in Kansas City is one of the nicer areas to live, with a lot of professionals.

The Flood Cert should not be needed since the HOA likely has a master policy for common areas and your unit is likely higher than a flood can reach.  

I've not had to deal with HOAs, covenants, or restrictions like this so any advice would be great. 

I have 1 investment unit: my former residence (a duplex within an HOA) which didn't sell for the amount we needed it to (our family outgrew it).

Are you still getting a W-2 and paystubs through the HOA that you work for?

I would reduce this depending on what the HOA pays for. 

The HOA in turn sent the notice to me and the other owners.

For an REO (bank owned) and HUD, sometimes the seller pays for the buyer's attorney (if any(see last paragraph)), title insurance, recording costs, and prorated amounts for county taxes and HOA (if applicable).