Or maybe I just manage it for free off the books and my family member gives me a big gift every year.

Hello BP world, I may be in the fortunate position of being gifted a plot of undeveloped land.

Maybe a comp in money or possibly some gift cards for dinner

You could keep the title legally in their name and send (up to the gift tax exclusion--$14k/yr per parent) rental income to your account with no taxes.

When I asked about using an outside/private investor to help with down payment, he said that that was not allowed, in general, saying that you cannot use a gift as a down payment for a house.  

Pay rent for one month just to get your next Tenet or give a gift card or something

I currently own a limited partnership in Section 8 housing which creates phantom income issues for me, therefore I am exploring ways to dispose of this partnership unit by either gifting, selling or transfer my ownership.

We give them a handful of documents along with the lease (i.e. a lead disclosure and what not) and also leave a "move in gift" which is mostly cleaning supplies, a cheap plunger and the like (hint, hint).

Not to mention that breaking into the house dramatically increases the chances of wearing an orange jumpsuit for the next 10-15 years.Some who you have labeled "sissies" may merely respect our nation's laws and have set a higher bar for issues that they are willing to sacrifice their most precious of gifts; freedom.

Savings is best and depending on the type of loan (usually FHA) there are restrictions on family loans (must be gifts)