I had heard that leaving the slab and rough plumbing would raise the sale value of the land because those are costs that a developer won't have to incur. 

I believe the property have appreciated in value just based off recent sales in my market area.

Even closer to home, most of the smaller hotel/motels in my area seem to be mom and pop owned and are all listed for sale at this point. 

While it seems like there are some better priced deals lately, you may have to be prepared to put down 30-40% down.I'd say due to the lack of homes for sale, you should be open to many if not most cities depending on the deal that comes up. 

The RedFin data shows a lot less "closed sales" (458) compared to Russell's info graphic (939.)

Purchase price: $1,150,000 Cash invested: $200,000 Sale price: $1,599,000 Welcome to your dream home!

We fully furnished the home through FB marketplace and estate sales- nothing high end by any means, but very retro and mid century. 

Your realtor can give you all the actual sales comps to help you see the difference between the listing price and the actual sales price.I however do have a little contrarian advice. 

You don't actually own the property until the sale is ratified by the courts as a foreclosure is a legal process though you are generally responsible for the property taxes for the property from the moment you win.

Talk to your attorney, but I believe this can help not enact the due on sale clause.