I would like to talk to real estate investors and see if I can build a list that way.

Torn down because the area is that bad or the building had something wrong?

Build up cash. 

You'd most likely have funds to do something interesting in the area and maybe build on a lot you divide with the right financing.

I think most LLs forget about the exterior of the buildings looking good, but you're right - you want the tenant to keep things nice, give them some pride in the outside for starters....

I bought a primary house here( new build townhome) and currently turning my basement into studio so I can rent that out short term.

Well if you live in a massive apartment building the debt that underwrites that building is likely a commercial loan wrapped into a security instrument.

Speaking as a lender (not investor) with some experience in small balance commercial lending, I can tell you that it is likely going to be tough to find financing most likely as a lot of commercial lenders tend to stay away from churches, although could be more favorable if the building is true retail/office rather than a structure built specifically in the style of a traditional church (i.e. hard to transition to other tenants if needed)

All this is in you to identify what best you can do with what you know.At the end, this partnership will build on trust or you won't be able to sleep at night.

Often, historical expenses just don't exist, especially if someone is selling a newly rehabbed smaller building.