Benefit we have here in Minneapolis is there are lots of Fortune 500 companies (Target, United Health, Best Buy, 3M, General Mills, Polaris to name a few) who hire corporate employees from around the US.

I've also been told that many owners won't accept an FHA loan because there are additional steps that need to occur (health and safety inspections, repairs on owner's expense, etc...).As experienced buyers and investors, what do you think is the best option for me?

In addition, San Diego (county level, set by board of supervisors) currently limits the rent increase to the consumer price index with eviction allowed only for health and safety reasons.  

Check the HOA out thoroughly - especially their financial health and reserves.

If you are not certain they are out, follow your state/local laws about giving notice about going in for repairs (COVID 19 has caused some locations to restrict going in for maintenance to the basic health and safety issues)

So I’d look into what it will take to make the basement unit safe, get some bids, and go from there (possibly negotiate an inspection objection from the seller for the cost to remedy the clear safety and health issue).   

., probate, tax liens, or even just people looking to sell for personal reasons, maybe health issues or even just relocating, seller's may be stressed.

Hello, my name is Yasmine, I am 27 years old and currently in a Master's program to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

If a condo is in poor financial health that will also disqualify it. 

Can someone that has used HELOCs extensively explain to me how they go about using that money either for down payments OR an emergency say a water heater OR a health issue?