In a game of pennies and nickels, sometimes the boring basics are what help you to really impact the operations and NOI :)

@Jacob Atchison awesome job!

As for your recommendation, saving up money, minimizing almost all of my costs, and working multiple jobs has been my mojo for quite some time now and I am simply preparing for the time to find a decent property in a decent area to invest in. 

I have a good full time w2 job so coming up with a down payment is not an issue.

Even old wood windows can often be fixed with some sanding and paint.Single pane, raw aluminum is ugly and old wood frame is a pain to operate but they work well enough and not replacing them helps me keep my rents within reach for families who need affordable housing.In some cases I will replace a single window in a house if the frame is destroyed but I never do the whole house.

I have nothing against me, no criminal record, good credit, job, income, savings, single male, no kids... could the HOA decline my highest offer the property to whoever they choose? 

I responded to a job ad from them and was interviewed by someone from that company regarding a position that would be involved with property damage claims.I'm looking to get more knowledge and experience with properties so that I can eventually use that to manage a property that my girlfriend and I will be involved with.Thanks for your time.Jason

I'm a present operating room travel nurse.Thanks, Mitch

There's so many catalysts for population and job growth (Intel, Honda, Amazon, Nationwide Hospital, etc).

Establish the value based on your own market analysis.Your property is a rental once it is placed in service - typically the date it is advertised as available.Check your home owners insurance policy and make sure it covers rental operations - I expect it does not.