For instance, I had a family friend that gifted their home then had a sudden illness that required long term nursing home care.

People who are getting FHA loans on 100k houses are usually only putting down $3500 - and often times a portion of that is gifted, so your option fee might be a challenge for many of your potential buyers.

That is a great thing.I never used Venmo until I had to- someone sent my child a birthday gift- and when I logged in to collect I saw what others have raved about- easy, free and quick. 

I always suggest to my investors send a welcome packet and/or gift to new tenants once they close on the property.

The difference of fair market value versus what you pay would likely be considered a gift to you, which may require the filing of a gift tax return, and would eat into their lifetime exclusion depending on the amount of the gift. 

After closing I sent them a thank you card with a gift card and one of my business cards.

I personally do not give money to family or friends unless I'm prepared to make it a gift.

If all their money was gifted by a relative last week, I wouldn't feel safe doing the loan, if it were me.Are you putting the borrower on a draw system, or are you giving them 100% of the loan up front? 

We thought a simple transfer of the down payment to me or the business would work but it appears it would incur a gift tax.

I was blessed to have money gifted to me from my parents from their LOC (line of credit).