We have $25k for emergencies, and another $65k either in brokerage accounts or high interest savings/checking accounts, though we're pretty far behind in retirement savings due to some debt I had from the only other time I've been a landlord (a long story about getting screwed by a RE attorney/property manager from a home from my previous marriage), which has been paid off since 2013.I've known about my unemployment since Thanksgiving and am trying to move up the corporate ladder, but am finding it difficult to progress to in-person interviews for job titles that are above anything I've had yet, but I am getting initial interviews for VP/EVP/SVP roles with recruiters.

A proof of funds is as well given as assurance of buying the property after the lease period is up and if the option did not get exercised (to buy), is this something mandatory and how should be the strategy be like for a starter like me?

I am looking for a person to function in this role in an ongoing basis as well. :) 

If she is taking on mostly an advisory role, and having you run it, 50/50 sounds fair, but I don't know her requirements for a deal to make sense for her.

And why do they need play this role ? 

I met that goal...and has been a great journey ever since.By the way, your design skills (assuming they are good) will play a key role in your success.   

What if the roles were reversed?

On all my other deals I have never used a bird dog, so I do not know what's appropriate. no idea what is appropriate for bird dog but for a buy and hold or any transaction really 1 to 2k.. and then take that and pay them monthly over 36 months.. and then tell them to go find 20 more.. you have the opportunity here on BP to listen to those with a lot of experience at this and I cant stress enough that minor partners are trouble.. it never works out.. and they will think it was all them and you could have never done it without them.. pay them for what they did but DO NOT put them on title or a member of your LLC.. this mistake cost me a few hundred grand over the last 30 years.. even I can learn from my booboos  but I did not have BP to ask should I have minor partners sounded good at the time.. but then they have an interest and they can then exercise that interest and usually blackmail you into more than you really owe them.. 

My only point was that you and the person funding your deals need to have an exact understanding as to what each others roles are in the deal and what interest you both have in the property.

Usually in these cases, there is an option to buy, but in cases of the old tired landlord, it is only exercised after his death.