How is a Bird-Dogger Guaranteed to Get Paid Without Deal Under Contract?

[Lawrence Walker]

I am new to REI and I'm thinking about starting off in bird-dogging. How is a bird-dogger guaranteed to get paid if they don't have a property under contract? I would imagine it is easy for a buyer to take the lead and make the deal with the seller behind the bird-doggers back. What do you guys think? Thanks.

[Ty Burns]

@Lawrence Walker - There really is no guarantee that you will not get cut out of the deal. In my opinion, bird dogging is not a great way to learn unless you are working directly with a mentor who will let you in on the negotiations and how to put a deal together. I think you would be better off educating yourself and putting the property under contract yourself.