You really need to think this through, figure out your plan, and decide if you are morally good with lies and deception.

I believe there are diminishing returns on greater and greater levels of consumption.

And if not what's the proper way to go about it morally and ethically correct?

Reading a couple books, going to Invest Gainesville REI meetings, and doing as much consumption of bigger pockets as possible has been my curriculum.

If you find out there's a problem you'll be at least morally obligated to fix or disclose it, neither which will net you another penny.Your plumber works with homeowners more than flippers so the advice, though good, doesn't apply to you.

When building new, it is possible to design and build houses, and larger buildings, with a modest increase in up-front capital (10 - 15%) costs in comparison to the "normal/typical" minimum code build, which have resulting energy consumption 70%+ lower.  

I also see lifestyle inflation and a massive consumption mentality that further compromises any ability to save or invest adequately.  

However, when it comes  to all the red-tape involved with retirement accounts, better safe than sorry is the best motto.So the moral of the story is to ensure that you don't eat up 90% of your IRA funds on a down payment and closing costs.

By the way - I also find it morally disturbing - to ask an owner to leave.

The moral of the story get structured first for tax reasons too.