Yes I am still with AA, and I am still very happy with all the services they provide me.  

I know conventional lending could become an issue depending on the condition of the property.

Found T&H realty services to be pretty interesting as they provide both buyer brokerage service (to help me find deals) as well as do property management i.e. they are not full turnkey provider necessarily, but reduces some of the hassle for me I guess as an out of state investor. 

I was thinking if I can talk to my neighbor about sharing the cost (I, the landlord, personally provide labor and my neighbor provide material (e.g. fence pickets)).

I think it's very dependent on the property and market. 

Do you need to provide proof of funds at the bid or are the actual funds due at the time you win bid?

They will provide you with an overview of what needs to be done and what they will charge.

The one following may be a profit split with some leverage, depending where the market is and our goals for that fund. 

Depends on the city & airport. 

It separates your personal assets from your business, providing a safeguard if any legal issues arise related to tenants or the property.