My brother actually gifted the initial funds to buy the duplex and when it was bought he did not have a w-2 job to go onto the mortgage.  

Hard no on gift cards. 

She just has the gift of melting hearts and opening wallets.

In Virginia this is called a Deed of Gift... and it's a tax-exempt transfer. 

I don't want to short anyone, especially around Christmas when that commission may be used to buy gifts for kids and family..  

@Aaron Mazzrillo  might not be BORN a salesmen but some folks simply have the innate gift that others do not have.Qualify present close  that's what its about AFTER you do the 3 M's  and having been around many many RE sales folks over the years.. you can just see some that are great at the game.. but many have such a hard time closing... can't ask for the order.that's a very good point about flipping.. however to flip usually takes some pretty decent capital to get started .. and whats happening these days is folks get the impression they can make substantial money wholesaling starting out with very small amount of money..

I am 71-years old and spent the past two years working hard to transfer and gift properties to make life easier for everyone when I leave this world.

I was thinking a gift card or just cash? 

Take care of your tenants, fix broken stuff, bring them gifts like food a couple of times a year...maybe full dinner for holidays. 

So Christmas gifts are here to stay.