ADVICE NEEDED: Is it possible to sell a concept?

Hello all, I've been a long time lurker of this sub and finally created an account to seek your worldly advice. I have a concept that I (obviously) feel could be big. It is like a "why-the-hell-hasn't-someone-done-this-yet" type of thing. I've done a ton of research and as far as I can tell there is nothing remotely similar to this on the market. My problem is that this concept is well beyond my scope develop - in terms of both knowledge and money. I was hoping to "sell" the idea to a major company and retain some sort of "finder's fee" without them completely taking the idea and changing some minimal part and telling me to go kick rocks. I've talked to a few IP lawyers and the consensus seems to be that I am basically out of luck without a patent or patentable product. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks!