I also give away a door prize at each meeting, maybe a restaurant gift certificate.

Usually someone who has purchased with Roofstock can refer you and then you can create an account and purchase which will make you eligible for the $1000 visa gift card.

By then, if you’ve done it right your cash flow and equity should be good enough to make the jump to Montana.Option 2:  owner occupy a single family or condo (all of these options , including multi family) can usually be done with a low down payment FHA loan which also allows gift funds if you need and can get help From a family member) — depending on where you are in the Seattle area, your appreciation might be strong enough in a couple of years to borrow against (or sell) and begin stretching out a bit.Then it’s all about finding an excellent property manager in MT, and if you can’t find one where you want, look somewhere else!  

If you are local to your list, start by door knocking, and rather than trying to do any business with them, offer them something like a $100 gift card for 30 minutes of their time.

It was gifted to me over a year ago.

There’s a book by Gavin de Becker “The gift of Fear” that has some good advice on dealing with people who make threats of any type.  

That's a huge gift brother, so don't take it for granted.So about your credit score or lack of.

Is there a way to use that “gift of equity” as down payment, or any other options to help us out and save some money.

Listen to the seller and clue in on the reason they are selling.if she won't call back or answer your calls, send a nice letter apologizing (if you think you have some to apologize for) or just something saying "thank you for your time, i would still like to talk to about the sale of your home"....maybe a thank you card for her time and consideration......a gift card or offer to sit and buy her a cup of coffee...... again trying to resolve any issues that may lead to you closing this deal....you worked hard for this lead (i presume) dont just give up!....

When he does this, he may choose to report gifting you the half.