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

My conclusion is that take the provided ROI calculations from REI as purely estimates.

Quote from @Dereck Olson: Hi Nicholas,  Just a thought from the possible tenant's perspective, but filling out a prequalification form and/or providing personal information before they have even seen a place and know if they will be interested in living in the property might be a bit too much to ask. 

@Marc Zak Using an LLC for each property provides strong liability protection by isolating risks to individual assets, with income and expenses flowing through to your personal taxes on Schedule E.

Or suggestions for other companies that provide a similar service?

Do you provide the login credentials upfront in case the service gets logged out? 

where can we find places-websites to analyze areas that will provide positive cash flow?

Hopefully, one of them can reach out to provide further assistance and insight into what you're trying to accomplish in real estate. 

Quote from @Danielle Levy: Lesson learned: provide the full story up front and you'll get better advice.If you feel there's a case, put together all the evidence.

If it is someone you know you can give them a straight return as if its a loan - can provide a lower interest rate to provide upside - it really depends on the lender and what are they concerned with and what is their risk profile.