Does anyone know if when a group of investors pool their capital to purchase a commercial property if they ever offer the real estate agent equity shares in the investment instead of a percentage of the selling price for the commission?

Sounds workable, except the Commission is typically drawn from Seller Proceeds via the Listing Broker.

Perhaps they could arrange to give everyone equity, including the Seller, in lieu of U.S. Currency.

Yes it happens. I wouldn't want that because the developer on new projects or investors on existing projects are banking on certain returns for the property. If that doesn't happen you get zilch.

I don't like a bunch of other people controlling my return on investment. Commercial investing is cheap and you can buy with 5 percent down with easy finance unlike residential.

Developers and partners can get huge paydays YEARS DOWN the road but there is huge risk involved.

I am the take the money upfront and invest it myself kind of person.