Too much grey area and not worth the risk, but to still ultimately answer the question this is still not counted as a gift.

I've already read the ultimate beginners guide to real estate, but I will check out everything else. 

You can find local investors to partner with here https://www.biggerpockets.com/meetThis guide would be a great resource on how to start wholesaling https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/

I've done my due diligence with regards to finances (paying down non-productive debt, accumulating cash reserves) and have begun reading all of the recommended books per the ultimate beginners guide.I need some assistance in the following areas:Analyzing deals: I have calculator (link) that uses assumptions to determine if the property merits further investigation.

Hi Igor,Are you only considering active investing or since your ultimate goal is passive income, have you looked at syndication from a standpoint of investing in one and learning how the experts do it before jumping into something w/a lot of money and no experience?  

Ultimately, I would like to buy and hold, but will flip in the process.I have already sent some emails, but what is the best way to network with wholesalers?

As strange as it may sound and as wonderful as it will ultimately be it may be a tough adjustment for her into early retirement after the routine of putting in 60 hr/week for years ... be prepared for that and support her through the transition, which I'm sure you will.

I'm  not sure where this ultimately leads but it's obvious things are changing. 

I like the safety of paying off my residence, even though the ultimate goal is to rent it out.  

The seller's mom passed away years ago and it was my understanding that "right of survivorship" would automatically grant full ownership of the house to the surviving owner (the seller).