Your goal is to minimize how crappy the place will be at move out....get that dealt with and worry about showing it after that

In order to minimize this IRS audit risk, be careful choosing the line on which you report interest.

No need to take huge risk for minimal reward.

That has been fixed, and the damage is very minimal. 

It's crucial to note that this does not mean the buyer assumes the loan; the original loan terms and obligations remain with the seller, which includes the debt remaining in their name.The bank's involvement is minimal in the sense that the loan is not officially transferred.

Density is your friend, but seek out how to best do it to create a desirable place, minimize you utility/road costs, and retain value throughout the development stages (if phased).  

Please keep in mind when you do identify a lender that will take on vacant land- they will price the deal at a higher interest rate and will keep a low LTV to minimize their risk. 

I do believe there is merit in following simple best practices that have asset protection as a side benefit:  1) Taking out large mortgages on properties to minimize equity; 2) Having adequate liability insurance; 3) Contributing assets to retirement plans and other protected vehicles; 4) Dividing ownership of family assets between yourself, your spouse, and your children; and, especially, 5) Running an honest business and treating people fairly.  

When you decide to move out, having multiple units minimizes your risk of the property becoming completely vacant.

@Paul Ewing , what they recommend is buying a house at a price you can afford to also fix up enough so that you have minimal maintenance.