If they are a reputable brokerage, they should release you. 

A BAR SALE is the acronym for brokerage activities:AdvertisingBuyingAppraisingRentingSellingAuctioningLeasingExchangingFOR ANOTHER...and you ARE selling for another if you assign.

Hello BPers,I recently met with an experienced realtor who worked for a larger RE brokerage in Arizona that after a decade or more experience remains under the impression that a (non- licensed) investor cannot pay a realtor, etc.

This is the acronym for brokerage activities:A BAR SALEAdvertisingBuyingAppraisingRentingSellingAuctioningLeasingExchangingFOR ANOTHER.

One Realty Investments is a residential real estate brokerage that specializes in investments. 

Or would I have to be a brokerage?

Most brokers have a referral agency that is separate, but works with their primary brokerage.

I have not made the transition that you are making but my brokerage works with a number of contractors that also invest and I can say that deals are made even sweeter when you can manage a project yourself and get all your materials at cost.

If Zillow wanted to, and I think it does, this could be the beginning of a move against the brokerage model.

There's not a brokerage in the city (or state) that pays commissions to agents before settlement.