If inspectors came out to investigate, I could always say the short term renters were relatives.

If the market you are investigating doesn't have both at this time, then invest somewhere else. 

If they are only using big box stores I would think they are inexperienced.Ask for a contractor list and check them out as wellUse social media yelp angies list to investigate reviews.

But I need to do a LOT more investigation when it comes to some of the other items you mentioned, and really ensure I'm running numbers properly.

This survey will normally delineate the title exceptions show in Preliminary Title Report (PTR), and these need to match the actual title policy.

I will investigate.

I'm currently investigating the possibility to apply for a credit card....not the easiest thing in the world (from the distance) but challenges never scared me.

So with your example showing an 18% yield isn’t alarming to me but I would want to investigate the property more closely and have a BPO performed and talk to a local PM to better understand the market. 

I would investigate whether the HOA informed homeowners about this before you bought it.

Start by simply speaking or emailing either the billing department of the Vendor, or the PM, and state that you believe it to be in error, and have them investigate and respond to you with their findings.