If they end up appreciating a bit, great that can be a bonus, but for the most part I just want solid middle of the road cash flow investments that will be beneficial over time and just want to make sure I don't do something stupid over 6K in the mean time - Pennies wise, pound foolish indeed

Usually a fair deal comes about at the point where neither party is extremely pleased but each party is satisfied. 

The cool part is your seller can pocket the option fee and sell the house again whilst collecting above market rents and leaving operating expenses to the buyer.

Thinking I should email HOA president and demand he needs to facilitate a meeting for all concerned parties to come to an agreement, and possibly contact legal counsel?

That said if you ask enough people you will eventually get a yes but it might not be beneficial for either party involved either...

Since a divorce in general means both parties are going their separate ways, they generally want to maximize the proceeds from sale, so again, likely not a substantial discount unless it is warranted.What the OP needs is an experienced partner frankly.  

We see this when there are essentially two different parties living in the same residence.

If you are talking a 15 million dollar deal then obviously many of the parties are top level from the commercial brokers down to the attorneys and the buyer and the seller.It is a war back and forth to get a balanced deal and go under contract.

For my part, I am a little worried about long-term prospects in Syracuse.

You also will need someone who will sign off on your financials, when you present them to a 3rd party for loans and other reasons.One of our clients hired a CPA since the last two years.