In CA leads can not be rewarded with a commission because the person is not a realtor.

Even though the paper loss hurt, I continued to buy during the downturn and have been rewarded quite nicely. 

I am using a realtor for the expertise they bring to the table.  

If you don't trust him/her or value their expertise, that is another issue altogether.

He stipulated that it wasn’t an area of expertise, referred me to a BOA lender.

There are many people that speculate or are interested in Real Estate but don't have the time or expertise to find and manage their own deals, a partnership with one of these individuals may get you to where you need to be. 

I am looking for creative financing and building a team of persons who have expertise in the fields of fix and flip, rentals and contract assignments/options.

@Kyle Pockat  That's outside my expertise, but there are lots of people here on BP that do all sorts of marketing to find those kinds of properties.As to your market, you're seeing there what I see in the greater Boston area. 

I've done a lot of research, the potential seems very rewarding.

You need to be licensed , the contract has to contain certain wording by law , And by law I can get 33% when I sign the contract .Investing is about risk , those who take the risk reap the rewards .