technically, even a $50 fee could come under scrutiny

In NY you can't pay anyone anything from the proceeds of a transaction unless they're licensed... Like OHAgent said you can however pay an upfront fee to someone for a lead they have provided you but it can't have anything to do with whether or not the lead turns into a deal...

Dan Ortiz ABR CRS CREOS (Hablo Espaņol)
Licensed Broker/Owner
Manor Gate Real Estate of NY Inc

"If you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait till you hire an amateur" Red Adair

Duds

There is a way, and as an investor it should dawn on you sooner or later. And it works in every state I've invested in. Of course in my case it's not a problem because I have a broker's license and a referral fee is not a problem for me to receive.

I'm only posting this to keep you thinking, and I'm not revealing it now because I don't want every investor I've helped with this to now have a ton of competition, including me. At least until I've left this planet.

So when it dawns on you, use it and don't broadcast it, which may be hard for you because you sell a course.

Well, I would like to know how b/c that would be a great way to motivate my in-laws to think of me when someone says that they are selling a house! Heck, I was even thinking their kids could be a great referral source (more motivated for lower dollar sums that can pay for ipods, summer camp, the latest techno gadget, etc) and I would certainly pay for the leads. I know there is a law on this and I should know what it is ... I'm just too lazy at the moment to look it up.