Being with a smaller firm would be able to facilitate what you are looking to do for smaller fees and the freedom you need. 

By stating it that way, you may be able to get "free" legal advice because the title company would understand that they get paid to facilitate the closing or to run a title search.

Well, our situation facilitates a few potential investment opportunities.

There are no true "legal fees" so to speak.So total cost including facilitation and reporting of a 1031 exchange - around $1,000. 

To realize the deferred tax benefits of a 1031, you must use a 1031 intermediary / facilitator, which is essentially a third party.  

By using the IRA to facilitate the sale of a property he owns personally, the IRA would be providing a benefit to Jon.

The reason I wonder if it's legal is if a finder's fee would be considered compensation to facilitate a real estate transaction, which would require a real estate license.

I don't know the costs in your state, they may vary, but I pay something like $1200/year to be an agent (license, NAR membership, MLS dues, E&O insurance, etc).I don't make a lot as an agent, but it helps me A LOT to facilitate my investing.

@Jason Gallimore, we like most QIs can facilitate exchanges nationwide. 

I have a background in Telesales, Retail Sales, Training and Facilitating and Public Speaking.