It takes more work (and creative thinking) to make deals work in the current market.  

All are in my single member LLCs, so they pass directly through to my 1040 ... so I have a lot of schedule Es, 6252s & a ton of "Section 1.263(a)-1(f) de minimis safe harbor election" statements. 

2) Any advice on good title companies that can help us navigate this unique, creative deal for a house swap?

Alternatively, you can convert your IRA into a "Self-Directed " IRA and buy investment real estate inside your SD IRA.

Hi, this is definitely a great question for a lender/ professional financial institution advisor they will steer you in the right direction.

Or any other creative ways of making money (if I can't take a commission). 

If you want to do postcards, DealMachine has a way that you can send post cards directly from the app/site.

I would also add with respect to Self-Directed account, Roth IRA/Solo 401k, with Roth Component.

They fall in 2 categories:1) Those that will directly profit from doing business with you2) Those that are just trying to give you advice.Why do you think the posts from those in group #1 are the positive ones?

I highly second @Kwame Amoako and recommend starting with a off market direct to seller campaign to generate some leads.