This guy lived out of state and was only going to be in town a couple of days to get house cleaned out and sold (so he was motivated). 

Getting an offer is the key and nothing gives back more for your buck than cleaning...and if it wont clean, repaint.

I've heard of Quit Claim Deeds , I don't know if that involves a Gift Tax, which I was told there isnt anything in South Carolina.     

I noticed I needed to get more involved in the community as there are more and more questions that I don't have clear answers to.

A beautiful blur it was.I have been wanting to get involved with rei for a while but am just now at a place where I'm going to be able to sink my teeth in.

I always had the new tenant ready by the time the old tenant moved out, did repairs and any cleaning and got the new tenant in. 

Also, here is the statement from Zillow CEO in another article “There are several startups and real estate brokerage websites experimenting in this space, but Zillow is the only one that has designed a product to keep the agent involved in every part of the transaction, most notably by giving them the opportunity to secure new listing agreements,” Rascoff said.

I have enough collateral, cash reserves, income, and experience that everyone involved is comfortable putting this deal together with me having "no money" into the deal. 

Note that I only look at properties that are virtually turnkey—clean carpet or vinyl “wood” floors, reasonable interior condition etc. 

When a tenant from hell attempts to clean a toilet they often forget about the back of the toilet.........GROSS!