that is odd..... but normally the owner does pay the HOA in Michigan - however, it could be negotiable so i would check with the landlord on that one. 

I would consult a lawyer and listen to his advice but where I would try to direct this is the lawyer write letter to HOA that they do not agree with the HOA interpretation that the current CC&R does not allow STRs.  

I didn’t catch that the HOA has a bylaw that states that no more than 3 unrelated people can live in the house at any given time, but I have it rented to 5 college soccer players(two are brothers).

Yeah it has been tricky to figure out which one until I pick up the phone and start calling HOAs.

So the HOA for a condo I own is having an expensive project done.

Even if the window/doors are not a common element, I would reach out to the HOA and request a copy of the contract between the HOA and the landscaping company.

For the HOA, you'll need to do some due diligence. 

. $1500 rent, $460 HOA fee, $1300 annual taxes.

(Be aware, Sheriff's sales are different than Deed of Trust sales) One guy who recently won an HOA Sheriff's sales bid, did not realize that he bought the underlying lender loan and now owes the lender the full amount of that loan.

For the HOA, you'll want to review meeting minutes, financials, and see if there's a rental cap because ideally you'll want to rent out post-move out or if there's a spare bedroom, be able to rent that.