Legality of a referral fee

[Jeremy Resmer]

We come across a lot of deals and can't monetize all of them. Our LLC members are working on RE licensing in house, but wanted to explore other pathways in the mean time.

Anybody know of smart ways to be able to legally charge a referral fee for a property when not licensed?

I don't want to go the "marketing fee" route.  We are located in Tennessee, and I know that wouldn't work.  

The one potential pathway we're exploring is to hire a realtor//broker 1099 or even give them a percentage of our LLC. If that were the case, could our entity charge referral fees for properties? There's important nuance in the question:

1.  Is it even possible?

2.  If so...could it be realtor or would it need to be a broker?

3. If so...would said broker/realtor need to be partner in the LLC or would a 1099 arrangement be sufficient? IF partner...what percentage?

Any advice appreciated!