As another contributor posted, we treat all tenants the same including providing a walk-through/showing of the property pre-rental.  

Money talks...BS walks. 

as an example, lets say a lender gave you an 80% loan to buy the land PLUS 100% of the cost to build the property on it in the form of draws... theoretically you'd be walking away with MORE than 100% financing. its just done in a round about way, and you would still need to bring in some "skin" as @Brandon Croucier mentioned. 

This was a perfect set up as it had a walk out basement/separate unit with 2 beds/1 bath and a kitchenette.

If the broker doesn't know then you walk in and ask the manager...You would be surprised once you start getting people to talk.

Did you have an agent or someone else do a walk-through for you?  

You want to lead with you being a new local investor who walked by the house and saw it was in disrepair and thought you could be of help sending updates on the property.

The house closes when there's a walk thru and its confirmed that you're OUT!

Early in my career, this really bit me in the tush and I am seeing many investors walking right into the same trap.

You might potentially be able to deduct the travel costs from CA to MA/NH/RI once you acquire the property.You may want to work with a CPA who helps working with new investors to have a walk-through of what is deductible.