Would this be possible if the referral incentive was not cash and instead was a gift of some sort?

Down payments on FHA with closing costs are  around $30K to $40K on a $500K buildingYou can even ask the seller to roll the closing costs for $10K and roll it in the loan essentially paying just $20K downFigure out how to save or get that money as a gift.

There have been a lot of recommendations to kick them out but you should take into account as you said they paid for 5 years without problems.... if that is that case then their current crisis is likely to be true... if they have been good tenants to you then maybe you should be good to them and give them a small gift of an extra month or two while getting family, church veteran groups to help out to find a solution.

At my 5 year mark, they sent me a keychain, a plastic plaque type thing the size of an index card, and a "gift" of my choosing, which I researched and found the highest value gift was worth about $10.

But we were eligible for more so they wire it right to your bank and it does not record on your credit ( it's for doctors) but three kids thru college and his 14 years of college an loans money has been tight.we don't drive fancy cars or blow money.ISO WE thought since it doesn't show on your credit and it went into my account today and I already pulled my bank statement 2 month up till before it got deposited.Could I have someone write .e a check as a gift give it back after closiing so nervous.or any other ideas we are desperate.

Now armed with a little bit more of a "gift" I will do exactly what you suggested and reach out to them.

@William Danielson you have a great gift/opportunity.

Should my parents just live there and gift them the maximum amount per year?

Maybe not self employment tax free but fed tax free.Here are some other thoughts:You can gift them up to 15k year to each person (30k total) tax free for you and them from what I know of this.

It cannot be a gift.