If a condo association has too many rentals, as opposed to owner-occupiers, it may be difficult to obtain the financing you desire.  

I've considered living in one of the units to take advantage of the low down payments associated with fha loans, but I'm open to just owning and managing the property while living elsewhere as well.

The one thing I have done is have a survey on the property manger. it asked how often they had contact and for what. 

Start with the BP podcasts and then your local REIA (Real Estate INvestment Association) as that will likely be your best networking venue

I guess it could be a Freudian slip of some type associated with my infant years and dear mothers .. eh, never mind.At least my "vote" count should go up!

The lending will want to mitigate their risk by factoring other costs associated with the property.

Generally you have little control over a condo association.

Professional real estate investors and property managers always conduct a custom "rent survey". 

That way you'll have him associate your endeavour with positive things and he might come around and want to be part of it.

The issue is my brother will be buying his own house within the same period and does not want to have the debt associates on his name when that happens.