(i think a buyer/investor should be free to compensate who he wants and how he wants to, in finding a deal, facilitating purchase, helping w/ auction purchase, estimating, manage rehab for commission, salary, etc, etc........I don't think a buyer/investor should be forced to deal only with a licensed agent in his/her sourcing and purchasing process, particularly when that licensed agent will be compensated by seller....)  

The people you would want to lead generally have enough self confidence and internal drive to not need a leader, but rather a facilitator, and the people that you don't want to lead can't tie their shoes without a road map and a chaperone. 

You will need enough money to put in escrow, and proof of funds to show enough to close.You may have to use transactional funding to facilitate the a to b transaction.

Facilitate their wants, and you will have a deal.Good luck.

This is a very touchy aspect as it can be construed as a listing or being compensated from facilitating a transaction.

I will of course ask my custodian, but curious if anyone has tried it, and have any opinions on crowd-funding sites that will facilitate with these limitations. 

Or could I ask them to act as a transaction facilitator and give them a fee for that?

Come to an agreement with each other about whether you are personally guaranteeing the lien or if the recourse is for the property and not you in case of default.Also recommend to bring in an NMLS certified broker to help facilitate the transaction for a nominal fee.

You may have enough distressed properties that have legal issues to justify a bigger paycheck, but simply facilitating a transaction as a strawman only carries so much value and going further becomes predatory.

@Russ Scheider has a talent for facilitating off market properties that may fit your needs.