My gift to myself is the sense of accomplishment I get by finishing things.Work every day and keep your eyes on the prize. 

However, to my understanding, there is a significant tax burden (whether that be estate or gift tax) on this transfer/gift, since non-resident aliens do not enjoy the same large exclusions as US citizens and permanent residents.Question: What is the best method to transfer this property from the non-resident alien parents to their US citizen child, without incurring a tax burden (or, at the least, minimizing the burden)?

What neighborhoods in Cincinnati are your favorites?

My favorite doughnut shop happens to be over there too. 

In response to the suggestion of partnering to pool the 20%, I do have the funds to meet him halfway and get to that 20% mark but wouldn't the issue arise that down payment money cannot be "gifted"? 

The math:The maintenance is $550/monthThe rent is $1500/monthThe apartment was gifted to me and I think it’ll sell for about $150k.

One of my favorite books for getting started is the "Millionaire Real Estate Investor" by Gary Keller.

Once it is sold, you can buy a better investment, and remember those that helped allow this from the gift of the first property.Carefully think through your action. 

"I like to give my tenants gift cards and baskets for Christmas."

If each candidate comes with their CRM, you will have many training and control problems.But when you have your favorite CRM, you can once organize video training and testing of candidates.