BiggerPockets

If you are asking about a home owners association, they are, in fact, corporations. You can get info as to incorporation date from the state department of corporations, or maybe calling the management office, or possibly asking a few people who live there. Not all will know, but some will.

as to foreclosures, consider checking the zillow maps, and check their recent sales on "recently solds". You will have to read the blurbs, but I think even the sold house info still tells if that property was a HUD or reo or forcloseure, short sale, etc. If not, the rest of the blurb may indicate it's condition. As to whether the rate is high, I suppose that would depend on what you consider high, and how that hoa compares in such sales to nearby ones.

Is there still new construction?
Reading the articles of incorporation may help you figure that out as you add it to other info that you get. Your county planning and zoning office should have that information, or a drive around the area might help you see it. Be aware that not all sections of all hoas are side-by-side. At least one nearby hoa has 3 sections. One is separated from the other 2 by 2 street miles and 900 acres, upon which 5 other builders had planned hoa units until the crash a few years ago. That land remains in the condition they left it.

I'm sure other people may have other thoughts to help you.