As a broker I would not accept cash as a deposit.

I don't know the ins and outs of how this guy is going to publicize your home or if he's going to show it.If your friend does not have a broker's license, you're going to want to be really really careful.

You can not pay based on the sale of the house unless they are licensed (and you will have to pay the broker, not the agent directly).

A competent mortgage broker should be able to help.

Since I have to sign on with an agency for two years before I get my Brokers License and presumably stay with one after I get it, how can I make this work?

If it is, I try to contact a local broker that I know to call the Bank to see if they can get the listing which then gets me a contact other than the Bank to check back with.

Just put your thoughts out to the listing broker and see what the seller says.

She is very interested in real estate, but knows that income and down payments and good credit are essential, so she has her entry-level job M-F, works weekends as a server, and rents an apartment with a roommate to keep expenses down, saving to buy her first home.

I am purposely getting my brokers license to get access to the MLS for this purpose.

Here in Florida, loan modifications can only be negotiated by mortgage brokers and attorneys.