I have been doing Airbnb solely for 2 1/2 years an a SFH and even with internet connected lock and camera, maid service, auto price online service; I still have to spend 3 to 4 hours a week at the house checking condition, replacing supplies, and doing minor repairs.  

We expect to spend 3-5 years out of state for the job, and then return back to the Bay Area.We've owned the home for 4 years and it has appreciated a nice amount.

I would make sure they understand you are taking on the burden of fixing up the place, and I would be buying it now before they spent all their time and energy getting it fixed up...The more time and money they spend the more they will expect at the point of sale.   

Depending on your expenditure amount to spend would effect your way to go. 

A dwelling unit is not habitable if it violates provisions of housing or health codes concerning the health, safety, sanitation or fitness for habitation of the dwelling unit or if it substantially lacks:(a) Effective waterproofing and weather protection of the roof and exterior walls, including windows and doors.

Develop a relationship, see if they’re savvy, and if they know real estate most high quality lenders will spend extra time with you making sure that you are organized in the best way possible for them to give you money.

There are other requirements but as long as you get it set up right and follow all the rules, it will protect your liability.

So what happens when you spend the money for a new system and the house gets no cooler ?

This is a requirement for the Renter to purchase their own "Renters" policy which protects their personal property and liability risks.

I know a couple guys in my home town that served 5+ years in a federal prison for this.If you're moving ownership into a land trust that you also control and have no intention of defaulting or selling and avoiding the payoff, it could for sure be argued as positive fraud, but the intent would more likely be for something like asset protection or some kind of investment arbitrage - which could still be fraud.