My understanding is that you need to do a segregation study as certain parts of the purchase (such as land and structural elements) cannot be depreciated, but everything else is pretty much fair game.

Interactive Brokers has a fantastic comparison on the cost of Margin Loan rates across multiple brokers. 

I've replaced t-stats and heating elements.

Anything you do for the first time has some element of intimidation.I will second what @Greg Scott stated, REIT’s can’t compare with direct ownership including syndications which in my opinion are highly superior to any REIT for many reasons. 

I use Interactive Brokers for my clients and myself often.

Go to all of the main meetings and sub group meetings and interact. 

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books for this or you can learn by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.

As a unit owner you will likely not have the ability to make repairs to the common elements, as that authority usually rests entirely with the HOA. 

When the landlord appears to have vanished, the tenant is more prone to break the rules.5) Keep Records of all InteractionsMake a record of all interactions in the tenant file, including rent transactions, phone talks, and repair requests and completions.

I attribute winning that to being able to see the property come up on the MLS immediately, scheduling a showing immediately, submitting an offer immediately, and directly interacting with the agent.