If the HOA is efficient , then things work out fine , but if they are not  then you dont have too much control on the laws and covenants , monthly HOA dues may be high, assessments may keep coming up etc.Generally speaking like-for-like I prefer SFH to condos .

I can find most of the owner's information using my cities accessor website, but I want to see what some of you are doing and how your process works to efficiently send letters or contact some of these owners off-market. 

Can anyone recommend any reliable and efficient contractors in the Atlanta, Ga area? 

With them having their own, independent insurance policy it ensures* that they are taken care of (and helps them have SOMEONE other than you to call with all those questions).#2 - it draws a line in the sand between the old and the new. 

Having the HOA is a double edged sword, they ensure things are kept in great working order and you don't have to be there to inspect the roof etc.

The galley kitchen is pretty tight so we were planning on removing the cabinets on the opposite side and replacing it with something more space efficient. 

You also need to ensure that's your intention going into it.

Alternatively, using increasing the Due Diligence number for further persuasion in an upmarket can ensure you offer gets taken easier.

When they renew after one year, I hit them with an automatic increase of 3% that ensures I'm always keeping up with the market without having to put much thought into it.

Or are you saying that the overall US equities market (what I assume you mean when you say capitalism, since capitalism, being an economic system and all, isn't impacted by job lose et al. ) is not efficient at the moment?