Zoho has an in-built dialer and can integrate with SMS services, offering a good balance of functionality and ease of use.Each of these CRMs has its own set of strengths and potential limitations, so I'd recommend taking advantage of any free trials or demos they offer.

When you can access the opportunities first, you can qualify the lead first, analyse and find the best deals first, reach out and build rapport first , offer your solution first (rather than having your offer thrown on a pile of others the individual has already been given) and so on.

Because you're new, it is a good idea to ask about the brokerage's agent training offerings and potential teams to join to get experience. 

Suggesting to them buying their house for a wholesale range offer or lower dependent on the extent of the rehab, then having a contract in place that gives them a percentage of the profit to help get them back on their feet, paying off debts etc.

Meanwhile, the sellers who are most likely to offer creative financing are normally the owners of  real estate that have issues.....condition.....low barrier/over supply market......or perhaps pricing issue, and one of these factors is why its not marketable in a arms length transaction and why creative financing would be accepted.

There have been brokerages offering flat fees and failed.

I see what you mean about offering a higher return to a potential investor, especially if they are not familiar with my character/experience in the industry. 

I’ve sent the seller a demand letter, but instead of honoring the contract, they offered me money to walk away.

Never go with one offer. 

Pro Tip: Ask an insurance agent what your rate will be before you make that offer.