@Kate McDevitt Asolutely, here's a clearer breakdown with key points to help you make the best tax-smart decision in this situation:If your uncle adds you to the deed before the sale:You inherit his original cost basis ($180K plus improvements).If you sell at $700K, your taxable gain could be over $500K, depending on what improvements can be documented.You won’t qualify for the Section 121 exclusion, which allows homeowners to exclude up to $500K in capital gains (if married, filing jointly) if they lived in the property for 2 out of the last 5 years.Tax impact:Without the exclusion, your gain is taxed as a long-term capital gain, typically at 15–20% federal (plus any state tax, especially if you're in a high-tax state).This could mean a five-figure tax bill, even if your uncle gifted the proceeds.Better alternative:Let your uncle and aunt sell the property in their name and use the Section 121 exclusion to potentially eliminate all or most capital gains taxes.After the sale, they can gift you the proceeds:Up to $18,000 per person (annual exclusion) without filing.Above that, they can file a gift tax return (Form 709), which uses part of their lifetime exemption (over $13 million), so no gift tax is due in most cases.If deed transfer is unavoidable:Keep records of all capital improvements (e.g., new kitchen, HVAC) to raise your cost basis.Understand that repairs and cosmetic updates don’t count toward increasing the basis.Letting your uncle sell and then gifting the proceeds is the cleanest and most tax-efficient strategy.

It's unlikely to be a deciding factor for potential renters, and removing it would eliminate any potential liability issues down the road.

Don't want cookie cutter design and I want someone reliable who can troubleshoot and solve problems effectively.  

So, even a marginally tuned seller/agent will put out some requirements to (hopefully) eliminate the people who want to “tie up” a property but will only close if they can “flip” the purchase contract.  

To make this work:Buy and place a rental in service in 2025.Perform a cost seg study to front-load depreciation.Qualify for REPS or STR material participation to unlock the full tax benefit.This can significantly reduce or eliminate your 2025 tax bill, just be sure to plan carefully with your CPA.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

I'm just getting into real estate and the idea of wholesaling, which I see as a low barrier, cost effective way of getting some deals and learning the ropes of contracts, property analysis, networking, etc.One question (of many) that I have is how to remain ethical in this business, especially without having much up front capital?

New constructions eliminate much of a value-add possibility, but with my current income, and existing cash, I think it makes sense to invest in the lower maintenance, rent-ready 3bed2bath homes (~$250,000 - $290,000) being built in my area of interest.

What are some effective ways you have found to connect with motivated buyers?

Facebook Marketplace and local real estate groups can also be effective depending on your area.

That will eliminate any confusion on the topic in the future.