A lot of people in this business are not making money and they scrape by on bad deals that they have to pull money from their day job to support their real estate. 

But it is usually a less optimal solution. 

They give up quickly when you know the law.Get the help and advice from a knowledgeable attorney if you can't figure out a solution directly with the HOA.

I COULD just have title pay off the existing crazy water bill then keep working to have Philly Water reimburse me, but I also have heard horror stories of getting the city to pay you back on something like that being difficult to near impossible to pull off once you've actually paid them.

Does it help to have the money already pulled out of the line of credit?

I can definitely assist you with pulling data on moblie homes and SFR.

@Chris Jurgens did you pull the trigger, how was the experience.i am also looking into buying my first duplex and any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciatedthanks

The deisgners team pulled off the design and installation of furniture in ~1.5 weeks. 

I doubt the owner has the balls to pull that out.

So, I guess my point is, don't try to find a magic bullet out there to pull the trigger on an STR investment.