Too many days of feeling stuck. Years. Never in my life have I felt like this. I have always found a way to move on. That was before buying this condo in this HOA. Construction defects, mold, racketeering. The board is like sheep and follow every suggestion made by the management company, who I am convinced is committing white collar crime. 

I have spent way too much time publishing a newsletter (with photos of construction defects) mailed to all homeowners and pointing out problems that effect all of us; like termites, mushrooms on the trees (we live in a desert), there is fungus inside and out, mis-spent money on unlicensed contractors. People do not want to band together and take control. We don't know how. 

Then there is the dead golf course. We used to be surrounded by a lush course with mature trees. It was peaceful, with an array of birds in migration. Now the course is sold to a developer who drained the lakes, packed up the ducks and tore out the sprinkler system. It looks like Mars. Our property values have plummeted, and the people who are selling have dropped the price to the bottom, just to get out.

We are surrounded by the enemy (developer) with lack of care and financial responsibility, even illegalities, coming from the management company and the board. 

I had planned to sell my condo last year and buy a business. Now, the value will not cover my debt plus any downpayment for a business. Plus, I am afraid of making the wrong commitment.

In 2001 I made six figures. But I let my business slide, over time, as I fought being victimized by some of my own neighbors.