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.