It's essentially a forced savings plan. 

For example, the renter pays a $35 application fee to the site, gets screened, and then the service issues a $35 credit voucher to be applied to the rent which essentially means the landlords who end up taking the applicant eats the cost. 

These are all legal tools to help seller sell that has a difficulty with low equity positionsNow if it's not low a equity but it's middle equity like $400,000 house $200,000 equity, most sellers will just pay the cost to sell which are about 10 to 12% of the value of the house when you include everything commissions closing costs sellers concessions and holding costs while it's being soldOver a third of houses out there or free and clear with no mortgages and this presents an opportunity to let the sellers know that if it is free and clear where they can do an installment sale and use their house as a retirement asset with no due on sale risk, own a private mortgage, get a cash flow like an annuity payment, and the cash flow can survive ther death and leave it for their kids or charity

My question: Does anyone put any faith in tools like this?

What is the best tool to passively invest and build up the nest egg while I am out of the country?

Sounds like you have all the tools to be successful in this field, next thing to do is get out there and buy.

I'm waiting to hear back from a real estate lawyer, but the way it was explained to me, is that this is essentially party of the selling price ($150k), but the deal is structured to reduce the state transfer taxes based on the $135k sale price, defer capital gains income into the next year for the seller (frankly, I think the 15k would not be capital gains, but I'm not sure), and reduce our monthly mortgage payments over the year.  

Essentially don't plan on appreciation, buy a place that's cashflowing, and if it appreciates, that's icing on the cake.Reach out if you've got any specific questions or need any help!

As Dmitriy mentioned, a solo 401k is the ultimate retirement tool, it allows you complete freedom for investing with minimal fees, and complete control.

Also stop listening to rumours Real estate companies make money when you are successful and you usually work on teams to build business This is another valuable  tool for you because you would learn the entire process of contracts,laws etc and network with other like minded people ,plus you can even make a few bucks on the side