Uncertainty with using Assignments

[Mona B.]

As a beginner real estate investor, I'm seeking information on how contract assignments are conducted. As I do not have a real estate license, and if a buyer wants a MLS listed property, how is the assignment process when working with real estate agents?

Additionally, how do you get an assignment fee (or consideration for selling the contract) paid up front? Is the language placed in the assignment contract or the purchase agreement? How do you retrieve the earnest money in an assignment transaction?