[myyamr7]

I've bought rebuilt engines in the past that had never been started and had sat for a few years, with no issues. In my opinion only a few steps are needed.
...Try not to store it in a moist environment. Condensation is the biggest cause of corrosion.
...Prime the engine with oil, fill the pan, put the filter on, pull the distributor and turn the oil pump with a prime tool and drill for a few minutes.
...Seal off any access holes to the motor, intake, exhaust, sender units, breathers, etc. Make sure what you put over the larger holes, can't be chewed through by rodents. A simple trick I have seen, a piece of the old metal window screens taped over the holes with duct tape.