Can an HOA tell u who to buy from?

Your problem is that you listened to second-hand information, which is never a good idea. Always go straight to the source, the HOA itself. As a unit owner, you should have received a prospectus when you bought, and you should have also received a copy of the HOA's by-laws, plus updates as the by-laws are updated. All of this will tell you what you can and cannot do.

In my development, we usually go with the HOA's recommendations, because they usually get the best price by buying 'in bulk'. But if we choose to go on our own, we are free to do so, as long as we get approval from the HOA for the materials used. We can use anyone we want to supply and/or install, as long as the product is the same. The HOA cannot require us to use 'their guy'. It just is usually cheaper and easier, in my experience, to do so.

I believe they can only tell you exactly what material,color, style, etc.

I would get the specifications on both doors. And compare them.

The HOA has the legal right to require the exterior of your place conform completely to the exterior of the other houses. Make sure the $1400 door is in every way and exact match to the $3000 door.

Then go ahead with the cheap one. If you are challenged by the HOA..you have all the proof you need.

First, read your HOA docs. 2nd, speak directly with the HOA and find out the rules if you can't find them in the HOA.

Your information is not from the source.

Yes, they may require this to make sure that all the doors look the same. However, if you can find the SAME door somewhere else, the they shouldn't have a problem.