You can still make the home look really nice and clean, which will help you get the maximum rental amount. 

highly doubtful.... you would need family to take on that risk would be my thought.HML these days ( unless your very established repeat borrower) will want 20% of total cost in cash at close.. as  a HML in the day.. even in the go go days I would not have done a deal like you described. 

The side area I can clean up and I think pretty much leave it.  

Build the system, step away, be a service missionary with my wife and kids (e.g. bring clean water systems to third-world villages, disaster relief, etc.)"

I believe that if you establish a rapport with your postal carrier he/she will be able to assist you with vacant houses since they see them all the time. 

Clean unit but original 1980 finishes.

It appears that they have worked with the city where this property is listed, to re-establish two building lots.

Well, I went back to property today, and it appears the county sheriffs office was there to clean it out last week under a "Writ of Possession" order of evacuation.  

Or you can make a contingent offer based on getting clean title.

Make sure the surface will stay clean and dry for the full curing time.