And to have a friend who cares and is trying to figure out how to help, what a priceless gift on your part.I have always tried to save a little money for a rainy day. 

I'll be contacting property management who handles short term rental to include us in their gift packets for their guest.

The annual gift tax exclusion is in the millions, so if they gift it to you, while a return will be required, no tax would be owed. 

If you don't want to put any time into getting to know the invention, pass up the opportunity but your pessimism may tip an optimist away from the greatest gift a strange has to offer them. 

Assuming your pile of cash wasn’t an inheritance or gift or something similar, it sounds like you’re savvy with your money and have made good choices thus far.

Simple.Give the gift of thick old throw rug .

This works toward persuading lenders that you are a good risk.3) Start either saving for an initial down payment or get gift money from your family members if possible, for a down payment and closing costs on a purchase. 

If you put the existing house under the LLC with you being a 50% owner do you have to pay a gift tax since you personally brought nothing into the LLC?  

If you wanted to do this more actively, you could offer a gift card or discount on management.

The ability to work hard is a gift - especially when it comes to working for someone super successful.