The best kind of fees are none at all, so you are both on the same side of the table and you both get paid based on how much money the project makes.5- Title. 

The reasons I want to get my brokers license is because I want access to MLS for buy/hold properties, it will make it much easier to find comps, and again, save money at the closing table.

Learning the ropes in those trenches will help you carve out your niche to manage your time tables and expense levels.  

He is talking about using a technique to what was known in the note world as "Simultaneous Closing" or "Table Funding".  

What kind of cash would I need to bring to the table? 

More partners you bring to the table - less money you make.

Not enough equity capture if I am the one bringing the money to the table.

I realize that this is how the industry operates and they pay out based on mortality tables etc... but the family feels they were treated unfairly. 

Simple fixes; get rid of the shrubs, add shutters, some flowering plants, some kind of decoration over the garage door - those big stars seem to be popular in suburban areas, one or two patio chairs and a small table on the porch, simple stuff like that can make a big difference.

Yes you leave a lot of money on the table, but you build up your cash reserves in the meanwhile and then you will have the capital you need to fund your bigger projects.Best of wishes!