Recently, I've encountered startups and companies offering quick EMD financing at high interest rates (around 3-5% per month).

You will need to figure out what your monthly payment will be for the property (mortgage, insurance, taxes).

Take action by making offers, analyzing deals, and implementing your investment strategies.

The properties PITI, Property taxes, and insurance would be ~$1k per month.  

I have seen they have been pushing RentRedi a lot on the podcasts lately and I fell victim to their marketing tactics and checked them out.They seem to have fairly reasonable plans ($9/month for year plan) and offer a variety of features but I am still confused why someone would pay for property management software when there are so many free alternatives out there. 

Off market - seller wanted a cash offer How did you finance this deal?

But the real value a 1031 intermediary brings goes way beyond simple document prep which is what the lower cost internet sources offer. 

I'm just offering some thoughts, and would love to hear anyone's responses

Friend may offer temporary housing at a hotel or another empty rental. 

Either way, if you offer a good product at market rate you should be successful.