One more trick for granting rewards in DFRPG: Give them an extra aspect, with free tag attached, as a reward.
"Tony Soprano Owes me a Favor", "Elf-friend", "I looted Magnovax's hoard", "Champion of the lower-east side". In appropriate circumstance, free tag it when making a resources role, if phat lewt is what the player wants, or for a contacting roll, or a maybe a researching roll with lore or scholarship, or a rapport or intimidate roll if the target would be impressed/intimidated by the character's accomplishments. Possibilities abound.
Sounds like a great opening scenario, here's hoping you guys all have a blast.