Would you purposely burn down a property? Crazy? Or not possible?

[Sergio P Ramos]

I am currently in a back and forth bidding situation. I wouldn't call it a bidding war. Yet! The property in question is roughly 2.5 acres. It checks all my boxes for potential. EXCEPT!... There is a home dead smack in the middle of it. In order to do what I have envisioned, the house must go. It's a shame, the home is a great home to live in with potential. ( Side note, the seller only wants land value. Seller understands the house must go in order for the land to be worth anything). First thought was to have it moved. Quotes were expensive!! Second thought was to give away the home free to whomever is willing to do the work.( look for this in the classifieds if I end up with the property. And of course simply have it demo-ed. A bit pricey, but at land value there's definitely some room. As i was driving through the neighborhood scoping the area out i noticed a new shiny fire department. The idea of purposely burning down the home came to me. I've read about this before. It all depends on location of course. 1 good thing I have going, there is no restrictions there. I understand there is a cost to have it burned down. the home would have to be prepped to to meet the requirements for permitting. Has anyone burned down a property on purpose?

[Matthew Paul]

If its a volunteer fire company you may be able to donate the house to them for the purpose of training and get a tax deduction . Now just realize it will STILL need to be demoed , they dont burn it to the ground , and demo guys hate dealing with burnt materials . 

In my area you have to strip the roof shingles at a minimum .