Niche as marketer for real estate - how to structure the deals legally?
I own and operate an internet advertising agency and I think I see a niche where my agency's skills could be profitably employed.
I've seen a few properties in my area that I think may be under-priced relative to the value they would have if they were promoted more effectively to the right buyers. I believe I know how to do this and I'm confident enough to spend my own money on the advertising in hopes of making a return.
What I'd like to do is take a property that I think exceptional and that we can market successfully, and receive a commission or markup when it sells.
I know real estate is highly regulated and I don't want to end up in trouble for practicing RE without a license, as happened here: http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/93/topics/1847...
What sort of deal would be reasonable to propose to the real estate agent handling the sale, or to the owner? Are they legally allowed to pay a commission to a non-realtor? Is there any way I could market the property at a higher price than it is listed at and keep a portion of the difference?
I've been told that one way to accomplish this would be to buy an option on the property, but I'd like to find a way to test out my marketing ideas without having to invest in an option.
Any ideas and insights any of you more experienced folks could offer would be most appreciated.