What is it you feel you're missing that he can provide for that fee?

Personally, rather than push on rate I would go for max flexibility on the repayment.

I specialize in STR'S Feel free to connect and I can cover in more detail. 

A great way to network and meet people in your local community is to attend in person meet ups.

. :-)TLDR: if you want to feel good get a 5 year warranty for 10% of the price after you save more than that in the purchase.

Whilst I run to get my real estate license for the MLS I wanted to get somewhat of a feel for the market, what better way to do that then ask someone who's already invested. 

I personally don't see an advantage in requiring it.

I would keep as is personally. 

One person willing to give me 8k for my fee and another person at 4k for my fee. this is great.  

SAY THE ABOVE IN YOUR OWN WORDS, BUT DON'T DEVIATE-  NOTE: LET YOUR BUYERS KNOW TO USE THE SAME AGENT WHO IS LISTING THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY AS THEIR LISTING AGENT WHEN THEY ARE READY TO SELL-  YOU AND BUYER THEN COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT CONTRACT - (INDICATE YOUR SPREAD TO THE BUYER- BEFORE THE CLOSING- WOULDN'T HURT HAVING THE BUYER INTRODUCE HIMSELF AS ONE OF YOUR FINANCIAL ENTITIES-- THIS WILL A) ELIMINATE YOUR BUYERS ELEMENT OF SURPRISE WHEN HE SEE'S YOUR SPREAD AT CLOSING B) SO THE AGENT OF SELLER ISN'T CONFUSED OR FEEL MISLEAD, CALL THE AGENT BEFORE CLOSING TELL HIM THAT YOU HAVE ALOT GOING ON SO YOU WILL BE HANDING THE PROPERTY TO YOUR FINANCIAL BUSINESS PARTNER (AKA CASH BUYER) HOWEVER , NOTHING YOU AND THE AGENT AGREED UPON HAS CHANGED.