I did get a basic response to my concerns from the title co. assuring me it’s all clear.

After speaking to my RE Agent who assured me it was not under rent control, I got in touch with someone at the state level.

My understanding is that the HOA is responsible for maintaining the retainer wall, but I wouldn't want to be out of luck should a snow storm or heavy rain damage break it down.My Real Estate Agent is assuring me that this isn't a problem as it's been professionally installed and the other neighbors have been living with the same retainer wall too.What has your experience been with a retainer wall?

This law absolutely applies in your case where you are renting two houses.Maybe this doesn't make sense to you, but I assure you ignorance of the tax law does not exempt you from having to follow the law. 

I have three clients that assure me they will pay a $150 Retainer fee once I find them a house for them to rent.

If you find the cash flow to be tight in the Atlanta market, I can assure that is even worse in Austin, Houston or Dallas for same class properties.

Just yesterday (before discovering this mess) I assured her that I felt confident I could close the deal with her if she didn't get the loan. 

Rest assured, if district court followed the letter of the law by requiring tenants to pay all rent owed "at the time of assertion of an escrow claim", none of the above would be a concern.

This was not because I'm smarter as I can assure you that is not the case. 

You are never assured that time spent in real estate will yield a profit, never.