One is, can a property be transferred to a parent/child prior to death and not trigger the capital gains tax?

I am looking to start small and scale t a long term successful investor with holding of large office buildings and retail shopping centers.In order to accumulate these assets I first need to start small and grow my knowledge, experience, and bank account.Is it best to start of by flipping houses and using the profits to fund buy and hold rental properties or it is best to start out by buying rental properties and using the cash flow to purchase other properties.

in being my first investment adventure, I thought everyone in my family (wife, daughter and son-in law, even my parents) could see what an incredible opportunity this was.

If they don't I would make sure to account for larger turn over costs when the current tenants move out since there will be very little you can withhold.  

They can be out of their parents home yet still have some structure. 

Did he change any beneficiaries on retirement accounts (if he had any)If no paperwork was done, depending on how probate works in your state, you may not have any claim to an interest in the property unless he indicated that in a will. ie, in some states, if a parent is deceased, half goes to the spouse and half to the children.

my only concern is back in 2016 i converted the master bed room and bathroom in to a studio (not permitted) with its own entrance and kitchen i sealed off the entrance  to the main house and currently my parents live there paying me $500.00 a month i am worried that the studio will one hurt my appraisal (cant find any comps) so not sure what it will appraise at in its current state and second will the lenders have any issue's refinancing the home with the illegal studio ???

One of them is in college and her parent is on the original lease as a cosigner. 

Each of your parent can give you and your spouse (if married) 15k each without incurring gift tax i.e You and your spouse together can receive total of 60k (4 checks of 15k).If you are not married, you can get 30k. 

Every time my property manager knocks on the door no one answers or they have there kids do it and say there parents aren’t home.