We try to find the ones that don't have massive HOA fees associated.

The HOA master covers the outside (roof, walkways, etc.) and the landlord policy covers the inside (drywall, cabinets, appliances, etc.). 

How much is the HOA fee? 

So are the HOA dues

The downsides here are high prices and low availability of multifamily homes in my area (new england), the loss of mortgage payments going instead to renting in the meantime (around 15k/year) as well as whispers of government stepping into the multifamily space causing some concern.3) FHA on a Condo: This is a compromise between the two: Lower cost of entry (~100K or so depending on the conditions), HOA is akin to rent but I still get to put money into building equity.

I looked into buying a property at Arcadia Resorts (Santa Clara, UT) and when they wanted $850k+ for the house, plus we had to use their PM services (30% of rental fees), plus their cleanings services ($45/hr = $250 per cleaning) PLUS a $500 resort fee PLUS a $250 HOA - it left some pretty slim margins to work withQuestions to ask:Will they allow you to use your own PM group? 

The HOA asked me to diagnose the problem. 

I have no mortgage and there is no HOA.

Keep in mind with a townhouse, you’ll have monthly HOA fees and not all complexes are FHA approved.

if it is in a community then there is probably an HOA what is that cost?