Of course, this question is best posed to an attorney. 

It's not good for marketing, bookings, guest communication, calendar tracking, etc. 

Hi Myriam,Welcome to the BP forum and starting can be a little confusing but that is why we are here to help. 

The link is http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/reb/rebspring_12.pdf and talks about licensed brokers legally paying finders and legally compensating unlicensed people... in CA, in other states, and how to pay people (indirectly) in other countries.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Simply put, does anyone have suggestions of how to dispute this with the city?

Thinking of trying to market to a handful of homeowners that would like us to manage the STR for a % of revenue.

I find it easier to manage things.

Also, what would you recommend about getting a property to fix and flip or rent?

It is definitely important to have one in there.