With my gift of time I have realized I want a job in an industry that will prompt my growth and give me the opportunity to continue my education that would lead to financial freedom for my family. 

Purchase as if you were strangers, unless you want, or expect, a gifting.

I have a family friend member who offered to gift me 5% for one side but with a conventional loan/lender this would still increase my DTI to much for me to be able to purchase the other side as well. 

I have recently been gifted $15,000 and I can’t figure out what to do with it.

Congratulations, that's quite the engagement gift!

So it's a nice current year gift that makes you feel good and put more dollars in your pocket. 

You can receive gifts to accomplish this. 

or would there be another tax gift maybe?

Nothing more joyful than mold build up due to insufficient airflow in a space that has a lot of humidity generated.Remember, rent is not a gift to you.

If you don't own a home, did you know there is a grant program that will gift you your 3.5% down payment for an FHA loan and you may NEVER have to pay it back if you qualify.