Along the same lines:Why should my nephew with 4 kids get a $1,000 per child tax gift?

@Judah Hoover thanks, the hat was a gift!

Gift funds are allowed, but they have to be from somebody that doesn't have a direct financial interest in the transaction.

Some may allow you to re-fi after 6 months of seller financing, others may allow you to get a new mortgage and count the current equity as a 'gift.'

Luckily I had a friend gift me the money (as a loan), which the lender had no problems with.

(give them deposit slips)Have the tenants email you with issues (not phone calls)Let the tenants know that your are the owner, you expect them to take care of their unit (inside and outside), to report any problems immediately by emailLet the tenants know that you appreciate their feed back and their rent payment on timeGive them something for Christmas, a turkey, gift certificate, cash.Ask the manager for a report of all maintenance performed and the cost for that foor the past 6 monthsIf you don't want to manage the units, interview other management companiesAdvertise "Wanted part time real estate manager, to inspect properties, collect rent and report on maintenance issues.

One in particular catering to Real Estate and gift-giving.

Target gift certificate?  

All contracts, options, or other devices not based upon a substantial consideration, or that are otherwise employed to permit an unlicensed person to sell, lease, or let real estate, the beneficial title to which has not, in good faith, passed to such party for a substantial consideration, are hereby declared void and ineffective in all cases, suits, or proceedings had or taken under this chapter; however, this section shall not apply to irrevocable gifts, to unconditional contracts to purchase, or to options based upon a substantial consideration actually paid and not subject to any agreements to return or right of return reserved.History.

He acquired it as a gift (sale price = $50k) from his mom a decade ago and it's free and clear.