They are releasing permits now on a regular basis and things are able to move forward like they should.  

This is due to bonus depreciation which allows taxpayers to deduct 40% of qualifying property costs in the first year, in addition to regular depreciation for new construction and improvement.

Do you have a 501c3 that you operate under (and rent the house from yourself), or do you purchase homes with an LLC or personal name, and run as a regular business? 

The participation must be regular, continuous, and substantial as defined by the IRS.

For example, you could say, “I’ve noticed the property seems vacant and might require some upkeep.

I’m thinks just pay him his regular price for the job and throw him 5-10% finders/gc fee instead of making a 70/30 split or something like that.

Investment returns automatically deposited on a regular basis.

Your best/safest bet would be a regular lease combined with an option to purchase.

By all means give them a note on how to use all of the appliances (eg clean out the lint trap on the drier after each load, do not use dish soap in a dishwasher, change the furnace filter regularly, etc).

I have been part of a regular meetup for a couple years now and it definitely helps ground you in your local market.