These are our first two rental property purchases.

This is more than enough to do PML's whether you originate or purchase from a broker is up to you.

My agent is saying that we are unable to split the contract that way (or reduce the purchase price), so I'm trying to figure out options.

Hi Thu - Congrats on your first STR purchase—so exciting!

@Jason Khoury I purchased my current residence, a duplex, from a local non-profit about 5 years ago.

I purchased the property from the Shelby County Land bank. 

I'd also like to try to purchase with a land trust or my LLC. 

Quote from @Victor Yang: If I gift a house, what amount will go towards the lifetime gift limit, the amount i purchased the house for, or the current FMV?

With this being your first purchase, you may want to consider a property that's not being sold at auction. 

Understand Realtor (Agent) Fees- In Germany, real estate agent (Makler) fees are typically paid by the buyer and can range from 3-7% of the property purchase price, plus 19% VAT.- These fees are due at closing and are part of the overall transaction costs.6.