Yes, I have, and this review is WAY past due. I know this is an older post, but this is still relevant today. Earlier in the year, I found myself researching how to handle a lease that came out of nowhere. I'm a relatively smart guy, but any form of legalese sends my brain into hibernation. I at least knew enough, that this was something that I should not sign without having it looked at, not only for signing away something I shouldn't, but also for increasing my position as best I could.
So I read, watched, and listened to anything I could about what not to do, and what to do. I had done my research, but lacked the confidence to step up and handle it myself. Although I felt good in my knowledge of certain things, I knew someone would be countering my desires with reasons why it did not make sense, and for this I knew I wouldn't be prepared to counter.
So in the process of finding someone to handle the "heavy lifting" I found Hilltop Royalties, and I searched this forum for any feedback on them, and found this post. Due to Janet's positive feedback on at least their professionalism, I reached out to them.
I had my reservations, because it says on their web site that it's a "hobby", and what they make (if anything) is left up to the individual. However, once it became apparent I didn't have to sign any agreement with them, all that was left was me taking a leap of faith in sending my lease to them for review.
Once I did that, it was easy sailing! David Murphy could not have been nicer, more professional, more responsive in dealing with me. He respected choices I made, advised me on what should be changed with the lease, and then even went so far as to handle the negotiation for bettering my lease, and in the end did just that.
After doing all of this, he indeed did leave it up to me in how I would compensate him, and frankly I wish I had been in a position of offering more than I did. But that's not the only thing, I couldn't offer anything right away, and he not once, ever pressured me asking anything in return, and I regret very much how long it took for me to do so.
So to summarize, if you are in the position of looking for help with understanding what all this means, or looking for someone to hold your hand through all this, I couldn't recommend Hilltop Royalties and David Murphy enough. Reach out an the very least, and see if you feel comfortable enough to move forward, and good luck.