Can I have an attorney put on a lien on a house that is on the market, to recoup a promissary note the main beneficary owes me

Generally, unless you have a contract which allows it (e.g. a mortgage) or have enhanced the value of the propery you seek to lien with your goods or services (e.g. a mechanic's lien) you can't place a lien on property until and unless you have obtained a judgment against the debtor.  Right now all you have is a claim that you are owed $2,500.  Until there is a court judgment determining that you are right, it's only a claim, which the alleged debtor may contest.