Off the beaten path in Savannah but afraid of regulation/HOAs

[Sean Wilt]

I'm looking to purchase a STVR property in Savannah.  Downtown is pretty tough to find anything as there are caps and most are filled up. The very few that would be available are EXPENSIVE and would be tough to make work.  I looked at Tybee Island as well and while regulation is not a problem, properties are quite expensive as well.

My thought is to purchase a large residential home on Whitmarsh or Wilmington Island which is half way between downtown and the beach. I think it makes a ton of sense and I have run the numbers many times and it works. My worry is there doesn't seem to be any regulation which scares me. Also, a couple fo the nicer subdivisions which cater to families, have an HOA. I got the covenants from a realtor and while there is no specific mention of STVRs, there is a general "nuisance" clause which could be interpreted broadly if there was a problem.

Anyone familiar with this area or otherwise dealt with HOAs in nicer/luxury neighborhoods in other markets?