You can put in language that negates the charge should it be a major CAPEX like an HVAC.

If an HOA board votes to buy a new product for the community common usage, such as a new entry point access control system, are they able to depreciate that hardware in any way?

However if you make it to his big event which does cost a fair amount of money .. the content is quite detailed and you will learn how to or what to do to find rehab and resell.. and a lot of detail about rehabbing from all major components costs etc.. one of the big rooms is a deconstructed house and he has experts in from each trade.. 

I just recently joined and im looking for some feedback on a new rental product ive been working on to help owners with guest communication

If you are ok with spending the majority of your money on a down payment for a property now with the possibility in 10 years it will appreciate to make you some money then it’s ok.  

The previous owner could've made an insurance claim for some major problem with the property and you'd never even know about it until it's too late.Don't mean to scare you, but buyer beware.

I basically figured I could reduce my dad's rent (he pays 45% less) and pay the overwhelming majority of the costs by renting out the other unit.

The business must be an active enterprise performing a service or selling a product. 

But 20k does not suggest a major rehab so you should have to budget more for major systems.

Are there any major metro areas nearby you can explore?