Does anyone know of a similar service/company that could provide the upfront funds at a bit cheaper rate?

Is there something that is free or cheaper that I can use that works well?

May be cheaper to just start an IL LLC (no duplication of costs).

You can get the cheaper purchase price in a nicer class B neighborhood in Sacramento area.Never ignore the old real estate mantra "Location.

Yes, there is migration to fast growing cities, but the vast majority stay where they are.In areas of fast growing rents, the poor are forced out, but they typically stay in the same metro, just to a relatively cheaper area. 

If you combine that with the fact that you can probably get the properties cheaper anyway (due to less investor competition and more motivated seller) then, it balances each other out. 

Much cheaper than the cost of a deal gone wrong!

These are cheaper than "hard money" in some cases (depending on your credit) and it could be a good method for doing this.5) If you are a flipper, you could potentially use the $35,000 the peer to peer sites allow you to borrow (depending on your credit) for your rehab work then pay monthly payments until you sell the house, then pay off the loan.6) If you know someone who could use the money and you have good credit, you could take out a loan, and loan them the money at a higher interest rate and keep the spread. 

Tools and forms add extra, but still cheaper.

I invest in some properties that have very comfortable cash on cash returns, the same kind people find in much cheaper areas of the country...and there are other properties I invest in that have lower cash on cash, but that have higher appreciation potential.