Just like with any other mind altering substance, it can be abused, but many very normal, successful contributing members of society use it on a regular basis without issues.

I don't think people mean any harm.

Of course I must add, this was performed but professionals, do not try this at home or you might cause great home ownership harm.

It seems that the people who aren't agents and are investors are the ones who say it's NOT recommended, but yet they don't have any substance to back up their advice either.

Most of those 'get rich quick w/ none of your own money' crap is easily bought into but no real substance.

Up until recently becoming a Realtor or a Loan officer was the career choice for anyone who lost a job....The thought was "Oh crap, I got laid off from the factory....Why not start selling real estate, I heard of dude that makes lots of money doing that".....It's no wonder that many Realtors are useless...Yes they are licensed, yes they are supposed to go by a standard of ethics and I truly believe that most Realtors don't have any bad intentions....The problem is in what I call "Unconscious Incompetence" meaning they "Don't know, what they don't know"....Sure they don't intend to do any harm....but using a misinformed realtor can be one of the most expensive mistakes you will ever make..And to make things worse...They think they know alot..and they truly believe that they do...Making them even more dangerous...Thats my two cents.

It may also take some time as a "legal add" may be required in the local newspapers to satisfy the requirement to make all attempts possible to contact the offending parties that have caused him harm by not allowing him to sell his home due to their actions.The lawyer is still your best avenue.

What's the harm in paying his fee if it's a "buy right" situation?

I simply don't want to put him in what I'd consider an impossible situation, with divided loyalties, which could end up harming all parties.We have no comparable arrangement in Australia.

No reason to harm a persons business, they might not make very much on the deal, but they can at least get something for their time and efforts.If they refuse to listen, or disrespect you, then game on!