@Kevin Hoover, with certain types of entities it is possible to contribute property to and distribute property from that entity without triggering a tax event. 

In the “old” days, people would have the seller pay the lender so as to not “alert” the lender that a property sale had taken place, so that the lender def wouldn’t trigger the so called “due on sale” that’s a part of almost every mortgage or deed of trust document.  

It takes multidisciplinary RE knowledge + big balls to put an accurate estimate on the cost of renovating properties that come with major structural and foundation issues and pull the trigger.

You gat pull the trigger.

@Cody Ford Without having specific expenses and the 4th rent amount I can’t say for sure if I would pull the trigger on this property.

BUT I have also heard that it could trigger a due on sales clause, bringing the note fully due at any moment.

If I find a deal on an area I would consider living when I move back I would like to be able to pull the trigger and possibly refinance into an owner-occupier loan once I move back to the US.  

Found my deal on Zillow, ran the numbers, pulled the trigger and flew into town to do some of the work myself with the help of some family with experience fixing houses.

Appreciate if any personal experience can be shared that triggered the need.Thanks

In those instances, the title doesn't change hands, thus, the Due on Sale isn't triggered.