He picked the lock, broke into the apartment and smashed almost every window, broke the pvc pipes under all of the sinks, and was there when our handyman went to check up on the property and evaluate the previous damage.

I spent the next four years sinking every dollar I had and could borrow into the house and building sweat equity.

Also....depending on how much capital you have to sink into these renovations to increase the property value.....will you be able to pay as you go?  

Don't make the mistake of buying and sinking a lot capital in what you acquire.

That one had windows busted out, graffitied walls and they had even stole the kitchen sink.

The LLC can simply be made insolvent down the road so the property is generally the only recourse for the lender in that situation.Lenders ask for the kitchen sink for themselves.

My favorite thing to do when learning a new skill or job is to watch/listen/participate with everyone around me that is involved, take in the way that each person does it, let it all sink in, and turn it into what works best for me.I have had a few different types of jobs; I laid irrigation pipe for 3 summers, I was roadie for a local band that toured Nebraska for about 3 years, I worked in a warehouse of a carpet shop for a summer, I was a line cook in a scratch kitchens for 10 years (this is what I owe most of my quick-on-the-fly thinking skills from), and I am currently a Journeyman Electrician (7 years in the trade) I am taking my Electrical Contractors test this month and if pass that I will be able to pull all my own electrical permits.I have a wonderful family (wife and a daughter) who support me in all that I do.

However, you'll want to first take steps to get approved for a loan and have enough savings for your downpayment, closing costs and a sink fund for funding repairs, etc.

A church with maybe 2 bathrooms, kitchen, and maybe an auxiliary sink will need a lot smaller service than you building.... 

The biggest hurdle and time sink would be property showings/access in my opinion.