It doesn’t matter what you pay (within reason) - time on task and the power of compounding are the amazing gifts of home ownership!

If you find one, you can add the cost into rent or collect it as a flat monthly fee.Create a small, secure trash area - A fenced or enclosed spot near the top of the driveway can make things easier for tenants or haulers to manage.Consider small incentives for upkeep - I’ve seen owners give a small annual rent credit or gift card for tenants who consistently keep the exterior clean and manage trash properly.

When you get your money, buy me an island in the Caribbean for a Christmas gift.  

What’s happening now is simple: buyers still want Knoxville, but they’re no longer forced into win-at-all-costs bidding wars.For investors, slower velocity is a gift.

Provide snacks, bottled water, premium coffee, s'more kits, maybe even a small gift. 

That time frame also prepares buyer in case they need to have a certain reserve requirement or gift funds.There are also some tricks and loopholes that can make or break the transition and the timeline.

.💻 Office Supplies & Software – Including bookkeeping tools, printers, and even part of your home office.Creative Ways to Give Back — and Still SaveGiving back can also be tax-deductible when done thoughtfully:🎁 Tenant Appreciation Gifts: Small gifts such as gift cards, snacks, or holiday baskets (under $25 per tenant per IRS rules) can be deductible as a business expense.🏘️ Community Donations: Contributing to local charities, shelters, or community events near your property may be tax-deductible if donated to a registered nonprofit (501(c)(3)).🧤 Property Improvement Drives: Donating old appliances, furniture, or materials from renovations to nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity can qualify as a charitable deduction.Pro Tip:Before December 31st, review your receipts, invoices, and bank statements.

They are truly an unbeatable gift to real estate investors. 

The good ones notice right away and feel safer.Community touchpoints: Simple BBQs, pizza nights, or coffee mornings help residents connect and shift the culture fast.Reputation boost: Ask your good tenants for updated reviews—offer small gift cards as a thank you.

Check all the boxes before you jump in blindly.From a tax perspective, this could go a few ways.If he sells to you at a discount, the IRS may treat part of that discount as a gift, which could trigger gift tax filing on his side.