A lot of that has to do with Schools And other Social benefits and concerns. 

Are there any benefits or incentives to our church maintaining the building and partnering with someone to do something creative with it such as a rental to low income/unhoused, food pantry, stoarge, etc? 

The new property should have some amount of cash flow, provide additional tax benefits, and appreciate in value while having your bills paid for by the new tenants and the new rent which in my opinion would be a better return on your investment than simply recasting your loan.

But if you are trying to teach yourself pivot tables instead of hunting for deals or managing the properties, then these are a detriment.The thing with any analyses you perform, they are ultimately done for the benefit of the people viewing them.  

IRAs and RE each have their own tax benefits.

I am d4d looking for distressed properties and would like a better understanding of many ways to structure a deal to benefit so the both of us to make a win win in the deal. 

This way, you both share the benefits and risks.3.

I'm the buyer offering them the chance to rep me on the buy and the sale once it's built/renovated, so it's an easier sell, but if you can figure out something to benefit both them and you, it should workout

Based on what you have shared, it is unlikely be a benefit. 

It will familiarize you with the basic terminology and benefits.