Why not just extend the settlement date and wait?

Let's be very clear: The NAR Settlement is a cluster 🦆 for investors and brokers alike.

This should have already been a common practice, but because of the commission structure before the NAR settlement, lots of agents did not execute contracts with buyers in order to gain them as clients. 

If so, then tenant could be liable for rent until a new tenant is found.You state the penalties are in the lease that you signed, so you're only other option is to negotiate a better settlement.

*I joined this forum for myself, as I'm in the learning phase of my plan to use my divorce settlement to start real estate investing.

That way the owner knows how much they are getting and there are no surprises at the settlement table.

Under RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act), it is illegal to pay a referral fee (called a kickback) on a residential loan.

And the money could not come from the real estate agent because they would likely be violating the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). 

Understand all your options resulting from the recently National Associate of Realtors Settlement Agreement by talking with a local Realtor who is familiar with the changes.

The recent settlement was not about being able to negotiate commissions.