specific performance is very cost legal battle that will take one to two years.I have done it once.. 2 years 30k in legal fees PLUS I had to put 100% of the money in cash that I was paying for the property in escrow and let it sit there two years ... ergo these deals usually fall apart.

As a buyer, you do not pay for agent fees unless specifically negotiated that way.

(Mortgage+HOA fee + Utilities) - (Rent) = ~$250~ a month out of my pocket to live with my good friends.

What are some of the biggest fees you incur during the due diligence period?

It is possible that you are personally liable for outstanding HOA dues and fees even if you no longer own the unit.

If you're licensed, you could legally collect a real referral fee.

Are the renovation quotes free or should I expect to pay a fee? 

Additionally, to pay an additional $3 per unit to get it in 2 days is a nonstarter.I have found Cozy to be extremely landlord friendly and many of the issues raised in these threads they address (i.e. automatic late fee).

Regardless, the Board adopted regulations that all but eliminated our options to rent the place, including a proposed $250 fee per rental for "administrative costs" and requirements that renters sign an extensive agreement about what they could and could not do on the condo common grounds. 

The fee is very low-5.00 per.