Simply put, they are authorized by law to to assess regular fees that enable them to fulfill their fiduciary duty to maintain, protect, and preserve all of the common and limited common elements.

As far as timing goes, snow can slow you down some (depending on what you're doing (roofing, landscaping, etc.) and selling during the winter (November-February in most places) can be harder since not as many are excited to brave the elements to go look at houses.I don't have that problem in AZ, but have seen others get tripped up by the weather so try to avoid selling during the holidays if you can.If you have cash, use it.

BP is a wonderful place to learn and interact, but I don't find that it can replace the power a mentor can have in my success, so taking a course seems like a reasonable option. 

I was reading another media marketers blog on why real estate posts only receive a 0.45% interaction rate.

Use their interactive maps as a guide. 

You may have seen my other post about connecting with all you beautiful people on BP, but I'm on the hunt for a mentor or a small mastermind group that actually interacts weekly or daily along with holds each other accountable.

They share "common elements" and Limited common elements" similar to an HOA.

I recently tried a company for my house in Greensboro NC that really seemed professional, organized, and I had a great interaction/interview with the local business manager.

I may not have interacted with everyone personally, but i have read and taken to heart all of theknowledge, experiences, and advice you have shared and incorporated it into my life.

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