good point, gift cards are a great idea.

Since it was a gift, I'm concern about their RE potential.

I backed out and lost the $450 inspection and gave my realtor $100 gift card. 

However, depending on the investor’s situation, a different structure may be beneficial as a result of estate or gift tax issues. 

You can also offer some type of gift card to a home store or something.

My lender told me I would need the standard 25% down payment and 6 months reserve PITI for the property I am purchasing 2 months reserve for my 1st property and the money can not be gifted.

This is a gift from a family member that does not 'think' they will need it, but we want to be conservative with it if they do.

We usually pay 30% of shelf price (with the odd gifted gallon here or there).

What if it was considered a 'gift' and we had the loan repayment on the side? 

This removes any hard feelings because it's a gift not a loan.When my brother in-law became disabled due to a medical condition we gave him one of our small rental houses free and clear.