I knew few flat-list broker that only 3 agents and charging 9k flat only to sell.

They do either a flat fee or contingency, your choice.

To date the regulators have not given adequate guidance, or just flat out banned, many technologies.

(they do charge a flat $2 for ACH, but tenants will pay that).

its certainly a hell of a lot easier than chasing down wholesale deals.. you know the deals are there.. they are public record.. most on line.. you can go to Northwest trustee service.. you line up your private investors and do all the leg work for them.. check property check comps.. eye ball rehab.. etc etc.. then you run to their bank ( because they are busy making money in their day job) grab cashiers check and bid for them.. if you win you charge them a flat fee or you take a piece of the deal...

The borrower needed $65,000 and was offering a 25% flat rate.

Do you pay them a flat fee for each time they stop by the property to help the guests with something?

Nominal prices in the US, even in a terrible economy, are historically pretty flat. 

I work mostly with investors, and I have brave young ladies buying 3-4 flats and living for free while managing remodeling, tenants, etc.

I followed the loan officers who I worked closest with to their new bank homes and to this day continue to follow these same baking relationships as they move around.