Bingo! Everyone that asks me this is exactly what I tell them, you WILL get swindled by a 3rd party leaser. I cannot stand them, they are worse than shady used car salesmen Also another good tip, band together with your neighbors for maximum value as the wells they are drilling now need lots of acreage due to regulations. Once your neighbors start getting swindled or settling, it really puts a damper on negotiating power for yourself