to own property,
a church association would pretty much have
to incorporate
"a church association would pretty much have to incorporate"
Not necessarily true. Very many un-incorporated and non 501(c)(3) churches do own their own property. It will depend on how it is acquired. Banks won't lend, but individuals will sell land on contract. Not necessarily need to incorporate to get utility services either.
There are churches that have been in existence for 200 or more years, own large properties, and have never incorporated or filed for 501(c)(3). This is particularly true in large numbers in the Appalachian Region. They can be used as precedent.
Were churches REAL churches before their were such things as state incorporation and the IRS???? If those were REAL churches, then why can't churches be REAL churches today without those devices????
Much might depend on your state laws. It's not a problem in Indiana.
But then, consider, earthly properties are not a Biblical part of, nor necessity to New Testament Christianity.