However, the banks I've been in contact with state they do not accept 'gift money'.

Just google “Home Depot 11% rebate” andThe HD rebate website should show up, from there you can enter your receipt info and within weeks you’ll get a Home Depot gift card for 11% of your purchase in the mail!

Flooring is generally the easiest since its usually just a matter of $ per sq ft.Some of it depends on whether you are going through a GC or hiring your own trades and sourcing your own materials (e.g. cabinets, fixtures, etc.).Does that help at all? 

The precarious saucer home was constructed when an aerospace engineer, Leonard Malin, was gifted the severely sloped plot of land from his father-in-law (see, this is what fathers-in-law gift unwanted sons-in-law).

hello everyone my name is Paul Cho, brand new member to the bigger pockets forum.have been learning via bigger pockets podcast, purchased BRRRR book by david greene (1/3 into the book, very informative)my situation - i got lucky through my dad getting a house upstate NY as a gift. everything is paid for. he didn't know what to do with the house cause he's always traveling overseas. so i'm here with this house, applied for HELOC (in the process).

Anyway, I do agree that when and where we can we need to give and in return there can be an amazing gift that we receive as investors.  

The sooner the better.The easiest thing you can do right now is continue to learn - listen to podcasts, read blog posts, watch videos, etc. 

I love to laugh because each day is a gift .

Not sure what the differences are and the easiest course of action. 

I decided a fully rented duplex would be easiest to handle due to the fact I live out of state and they already have property management.