I’ve been trying to figure out how that would work too. I wonder what a typical operating budget (utilities, staff, ministries’ budgets, etc) vs the cost of the building and vs parishoners’ donations is. I think the trick would be to use the equity in the building to fund those normal costs while putting the normal donations into an account the diocese does not technically own. After all, that mostly comes in as cash, so is that legally the property of the diocese?
All of the accounts of the church fall under the trust clause and belong to the denomination if it goes to court.
It is not possible to hide funds. A building fund will be taken from you.
It’s best to be very above board and acquire new facilities and new debt while selling old facilities/property.