Well duh, because that motive to alleviate the bad is gone. 

Take into consideration that when the person you gifted the property to will have special tax considerations as well 

Anyone can tell you they think there are deals out there, but ask them to show you which ones, and then evaluate it for appreciation as well as rental strength. 

Well, I mean they're just saying you can rent it out as is, not that you necessarily should...

I picked up a home for $422k that does $8k+month in revenue, some months well over.

There are Bigger Pocket events you could look into as well.

I'm in Chesterfield as well, looking to buy.   

If you haven’t already, I’d scope out the municipalities around town.. from what I read in The Economist, the Phoenix metropo area continues to rank high for job growth, which usually bodes well for new builds.

Well you'd actually be netting more in the long run by doing so compared to putting it towards the home. 

Well no return phone calls.