Since you are a licensed agent, could you instead bring buyers/developers directly to the seller and therefore earn the commission on the sale as you are the procuring cause? 

If in that time we're unable to procure a serious cash buyer and our contract then becomes null and void, we'll be more than happy to point you in the direction of another reputable wholesaler, RE agent, etc who will be more than happy to further assist with what you may need.....") are we then free, with an approach such as this, to move forward (contract, market and assign) lawfully (and would you consider my above approach the most ethical way to go about an assignment?)

This transparency helps in budgeting and reduces the likelihood of hidden markups or fees that contractors might include when procuring materials. 

If you are procuring the property then perhaps you can settle on 2%. 

The plus side is the sellers allowed me, in writing, to make the minimal needed repairs and procure a tenant before COE due to the delay.

If a property manager is going to lease, rent, list, procure prospects or negotiate, assist, or offer to perform any of those acts, or if he or she operates, manages or rents any building or portions of buildings to the public as tenants (other than a custodian, caretaker or janitor) he or she will need a broker's license.

If the buyer can procure the financing from the institutional lender before the taxpayer closes on their replacement property, the note may simply be substituted for cash from the buyer’s loan.

The property management company told me I would be responsible for the rent if I didn’t procure a replacement tenant.

Even if we're not the right fit for the project (we're more design oriented and we do all design, permit, construction management, and procurement), we can try to answer questions and help you out.

Are there other options for somebody in my situation to procure funding ?