You need to take a close look at the management and who reviews the insurance for the overall property and the maintenance. Check how much money is in reserves. Condo fees in Louisiana should consist of mostly insurance monies...so check and see how the money breaks down percentage wise.
You own the inside of your walls, and your property tax is based as such.

Look at the condo page on my website, http://www.iansellsnola.com to get a better understanding of how condo's work, and the questions to ask when you look at them.

Specific to Louisiana, you should get flood (at least contents) and a wind policy similar to a renters policy no matter what floor you are on.

Condo's can be a good investment around Baton Rouge, as long as the condo fees are not too high, and you are in a demand area such as around College Drive, and LSU.

Owned a condo and the monthly fee went up 4 times over 5 years and you have no control over that. It's hard for a retiree to budget their set income. Only advantages were it was a gated community and you were a member of that small community - therefore there was a "safety in numbers" feeling from the crime on the outside.