Always better to have your financing options ahead of time .

Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s) aka Declarations, or Master Deed.Signed Bylaws for HOAArticles of Incorporation for HOAManagement Agreement (unless self managed)HOA BudgetCurrent Financial Statements (Income Statement & Balance Sheet)Minutes of last 2 HOA MeetingsRecorded Amendments for annexationPlat Map and/or Air Lot Survey Condominium PlansThe process is about 90 days but I think they have a rush fee for about $1000.  

If they fail to comply then your next course of action is to file eviction action for "Cause - Failure to vacate after lease termination/non renewal notice, look up your county court house and get the paperwork for that ahead of time so your all set.Don't bargain, BP forms category may have forms you can download for notices.. 

If you feel you've a head start in your IRA / 401K, maybe you can lower your contributions (but still get the full company 401k matches assuming they offer) and divert the rest of the funds to your REI investing. 

Because we had been stashing away for a few years we had the money set aside from the rental income as well as some additional savings to go ahead and buy a single family to move our family into.

Where my tenants have the rest of their lives ahead of them to ruin if they don't pay rent and get evicted.

I would go ahead with the purchase by yourself if you dont need his income to qualify.

Sorry ahead of time if this question was worded weirdly. 

I have money that is safe for my golden years - well as safe as the stock market, which is probably too big to fail as they say.I am not sure rushing out and buying a house out of fear is the right decision.

I'd like to get a head start on learning the basics.