Thanks for the replies…I have debated doing this so many times…I feel it is the way of the future and that cable companies will eventually phase out…most people that I have talked to that have cut the cable, they all end up going back :-/

Right now, I'm working on 2 office rehabs and a ground up luxury SFH.

If you can show that as an agent/broker you are a "procuring cause" you may have grounds to seek the split and not simply the referral fee.

I guess I’m just more hopeful that a middle ground will eventually be found.

I'm new-ish to the LA area, from Seattle originally, where I have participated in the purchase and build-out phases of a few successful establishments there, and hope to continue that streak of success, but as an owner/partner from now on.

Then hit the ground crawling, walking then running.

Austin would be a fun town to do those kind of spec builds in.When do you break ground on the next?

A Realtor friend brought them to me (who brought all their clients to me I believe) so there was more incentive to get involved in making something happen.What I had were several issues. 1. the borrower had little money on hand but income. 2. they wanted to do the work, this couldn't be allowed as they were not in construction and their skills could not be shown. 3. had a buyer in line, but not as is, it had to be brought up to market. 4. the owner had limited equity, perhaps 15% based on the as is value.So, first was to make a future advance note, similar to a HELOC or construction loan as a second mortgage.Had to look at repairs and improvements needed and at what point each "phase" would be completed and increasing value.I had a contractor and got him involved.

I live right in your stomping grounds, let me know if you want to grab a coffee or lunch next time your in the Ferndale or Royal Oak area.

I'd say the only ground you have to challenge on is if they had been using a boring machine in the vicinity, and clipped the top of the pipe during a different, unrelated installation causing its failure, then its on them.