Cheap condos with low HOA can be traps. They may be looking for suckers, that are attracted by the low price. Later once you are invested, you find out they have been running the HOA into the ground, by not collecting enough to cover major repairs.
They then have you over a barrel, and the HOA asks for a large special assessment to cover something major... Like a new parking lot, new roof, new siding\paint, new carpet in the common areas. Remember, you can be out voted at the HOA meetings. Many HOAs are run by lawyers, and they are not afraid to repossess your condo for unpaid specials. It is very common.
Only way to do this is with extra due diligence. Find a way to talk to HOA members off the record. (UPS guy is a non threatening look, when asking questions.) Research the group that runs the HOA see what you can find out about them. Check out the building and grounds (hire someone if you have to,) to make sure major repairs are not lurking.
If you get through all that, you still have to watch the HOA officers. Sometimes, the only way to watch them is to get on the board of directors for the association. It sounds problematic, but may not be... You will never be lonely in a condo association, and you never will have to get your hands dirty.
If you are not really a people person; despise fools; are a control freak; constantly in conflict with neighbors; and\or place a premium on privacy, then condos are probably not for you.
But, all is not lost! I always tell people they can have the "condo experience" by buying a small house, and hiring people to do the maintenance, cut the grass, etc. It will probably be cheaper than dealing with an HOA, too.
