Investor agents - is paying a wholesaler fee unethical?

[Aundrea Newbern]

All,

I recently became a licensed agent, but my predominant source of income is investing. Prior to becoming licensed, I did many deals through wholesalers. This seems to concern brokers. Some feel that it is an illegal "referral" fee to an unlicensed party. Others agree it's a fee for an assignment of contract, and isn't an ethical violation. Brokers out there - what are your thoughts?