However, someone needs to pay your guy's commission and if anyone I'd try to get the seller's agent to be somewhat charitable (otherwise you gotta bring in more cash).  

For those who are feeling charitable, give to charity but don't force me to do it. 

I would allow the food distribution center to use the warehouse at no charge.My question: if the warehouse has a market value of $1,000 a month and I let them occupy for free, do I get to write off $12,000 a year in charitable contributions?

I am also working with charitable organizations that support people and I get paid by them, while helping people getting on their feet.

If you want to be charitable, rent the apartments at market rate and then donate $500 a month to people in Africa that can't even get a drink of clean water.

@Steve Morris Buying in Portland is still over-priced and I'm too old to buy something way the H*** out of OR and manage it remotely.Well, my 2 options:1) Putting the property in a CRT (Charitable Rem Trust) so I can pay taxes as I go or2) Used to work with a syndicator, so may throw money in there 

Because it is possible to continue to defer them through your life and then have your heirs receive the property tax free.Owner carry financing, opportunity zone fund purchases, charitable remainder trusts, deferred Sales trusts - all ways to mitigate at least some of your tax burden.But if you're just starting out the 1031 is the easiest and most powerful for new investors.

Of course you won't have to book that extra income, but can you write any of this off as a charitable donation?

@Jennifer Thomé a blanket statement but what I've generally seen is the in a vehicle like a a Charitable remainder trust the Charity benefits to the tune of the tax savings. 

You could also consider a Charitable Remainder Trust or a Monetized Installment Sale.