That would be the easiest way to connect with some.

Obviously this won't be the easiest project, but you'll be able to walk away with a lot of lessons learned and a decent property.

They could do that.Are they prepared to pay the gift tax on the equity they are giving you?

Renting out an existing property is certainly the easiest way to get into real estate investing. 

I don't believe that SmartMove incorporates the rental application - they just provide the credit/background check.I agree it's easiest on the renter to not have to create an account prior to applying and I'd certainly recommend using a service that has both the application and the background check - this saves you from having to re-enter information, etc.Our service is unique in that it does not require a tenant to create an account to apply to the property (and does have integrated tenant screening). 

So what I do first is go to my area's largest chain supermarket, Giant Eagle, and buy a gift card for Giant Eagle Supermarkets.I pay for the Giant Eagle gift card with the Barclays Mastercard, accruing their travel miles in their frequent flyer program (American offers the most flights out of Pittsburgh).I also link the purchase to my Giant Eagle rewards account, which offers me cheaper prices on gasoline at the many GetGo gas stations Giant Eagle runs all over my area.The next step is to use the Giant Eagle gift card to buy a Home Depot gift card at another or the same Giant Eagle, which means that the same purchase eventually gives me double fuel rewards (you cannot use a Giant Eagle gift card to buy another Giant Eagle gift card or of course that's what I'd be doing, again and again, until they'd be paying me to pump gas at their stations).Finally, I use the Home Depot gift card at Home Depot to buy the stuff I need.Understand, you need iron financial discipline with credit cards to run these kinds of travel and rewards hacking schemes, or sooner or later, you're going to be spending with no sure way of paying them back ON TIME EVERY TIME.

Ask for a gift from parents as downpayment or go in with a trusted person 50-50.

The easiest way to get information on the lien holder is from the seller. 

Does anyone think if I come over with a gift basket and a $200 gift card as a "sorry you're getting pushed out" it is a gesture too much or unnecessary?

Way to go tenantresourcecenter...Check this out: https://www.rentprep.com/property-management/landlord-guide-assistance-animals/Regardless, I think one of the easiest ways to prevent the ESA lies is to just allow pets and have a very strong pet policy.