Commercial realtor commission dilema

[Juan Restrepo]

Guys, 

So I saw this commercial space I liked (2) years ago with a realtor… unfortunately I got into an accident and couldn’t proceed with my plans of opening a business. A year and a half goes by and I drive by the place and I see the space still available so I call the number on the sign and the realtor doesn’t seem to responsive, anyway I told this realtor I wanted to make an offer for the space she responded Ok and never gets back to me. I send emails, texts.. nothing, no answer. 
few months go by and I drive by the place and there is a new number on the window! I really like the space so I called! Now this is the owner himself.  
I want to get in but the landlord thinks he has to pay the last realtor the commission.. is this correct? This realtor in no way is procuring or facilitating this deal. 
please advise 

Thanks in advance 

J