And depreciation is exactly what you said - a gift and a trap.If depreciation is planned for and mitigated through series of 1031 exchanges over the years you've achieved two things - First you've received hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax relief by taking the benefit without having to pay that back. 

She recognizes that we both have gifts for the other one.

the gifts arnt necessary but sugar gets you more than vinegar right? 

,I'm receptive to pretty much anyone putting something in front of me, unless it is a classic Nigerian scammer asking for two dozen iTunes gift cards.

It also, helps reduce stress that I had before becoming wealthy (stress of bills).Also, I like being able to go to the store and buy whatever is needed and buy some gifts for others that truly need help (say disabled - not just lazy or entitled), it's rewarding. 

Tip:  We bought six rolls of toilet paper for each of our tenants and delivered it to their homes in a gift bag with the hand written message "We are all in this together, if there is anything we can do to help let us know". 

I’m considering getting started in REI by gifting my brother-in-law for his first property (duplex) Besides mixing family and money... is there anything else I’m missing?

For example, maybe you make a deal with other providers to sell gift certificates for their businesses at a small discount to help them gain business.

:I think it was PT Barnum who said something along the lines of, I don't care what the papers say about me as long as they spell my name right.PS I'm thinking of getting the slumlord hoodie as a gag gift for my boss. 

are gift baskets still a thing ?