They said it would have to be documented as a gift but it's not an issue.

Could be a tax issue for your relative since the IRS could consider it a gift and you might have to pick up the interest as income.

If your parents carry the note and will it to you when they pass- that is a gift and might be subject to tax.

Just 23, I was gifted money by my grandparents and lent money by my parents for a deal that I closed on earlier this year.

A family member entitled to the commission may also provide it as gift funds to the borrower.

All of us are gifted with different talents. 

You can possibly gift the funds to him, but I am not sure if this will create a tax issue.

They said something about a gift but is there an easier way to do this?

Money that was a gift from family member or an investment from a partner will not count towards your total, so that's not really a viable way to raise money if you are doing conventional financing.If you are going to get a commercial loan, then all the rules change, and you'll have to check with someone with more experience with that side of things. 

If you are just looking to buy to rent and then buy to hold and keep going you might want to have a relative gift the extra cash for you 20% down it will help you cash flow later in passive.