While we're all undoubtedly ready to get back into action with our real estate investing, I thought it would be a fun exercise to reach out to the BP Community and gather some thoughts.  We all have different investme...

Purchase price: $310,000 Cash invested: $17,205 Purchased existing townhome from family members as a rental property and was able to utilize a gift of equity to reduce the downpayment requirement.

They shouldn't need the money, but I'd like to give them more to invest.What's the advantage of doing that versus a part gift, part sale.

This could be an opportunity to add a Roth IRA investment to your portfolio and that will be your favorite investment once you can take TAX FREE distributions in the future.

This is my least favorite option. 

I would be happy to introduce you to my favorites.

I can't speak from an expert Accountant's point of view but since the property is not currently in your name, the $50K would be considered a gift from your parents.  

It's possible you could find a lender who could accommodate you but would want to see 20 or 25% down.With a 330K house you'd need 66K down payment, so if you can find such a lender you'd need to either wait until you can save the additional amount for the down payment (or get a gift from a relative along with a gift letter), or lower the price of the houses your looking at by looking at a different town or part of the state.

Can you please recommend your favorite resources for educating ourselves?  

These funds must be from your own sources -- gifts are not allowed.2) the property must pass a "self-sufficiency test". 75% of the market rents on all units (even the one you're going to live in) must equal or exceed the PITI.