This could force your family to sell the property to pay taxes.

If I am able to make tax deductions or write offs from repairs/ maintenance items how can I do so?

But the prohibition is that you cannot buy from related parties when the intent is to lessen your tax burden. 

You could use term life insurance to offset taxes.  

Highest conversion rate you can get with these folks.3) Pre-foreclosure/tax isues, etc.

Is there any way to avoid these taxes?

I just had my annual appt with my tax guy and he advised now is a HORRIBLE time to get into real estate and that I'm better off in stocks.

So I recently learned that some states don't have any income tax.  

Based on a quick search, I did not see any governmental agencies addressing this particular question.LA county assessor says the child must make the received property his/her primary residence within 1 year, and must file a valid Home Owners property tax exemption. 

Thank goodness for tax deductions, right?