Everywhere online tells you not to hire an unlicensed contractor but in Texas most aren't really licensed. 

Also, I’ve had good and bad experiences with handymen or unlicensed individuals that do decent work.

@Sacha LaCossAlso in CA, an unlicensed contractor cannot charge more than $500.

Here, it’s against the law for an unlicensed person to solicit business on behalf of a licensed person; ie making cold calls for you.

What does an unlicensed, wholesaler, and one without much experience bring to the table?

You never want to hire an unlicensed property manager. 

If a tenant sues the owner, they will also sue you, but you won't have the insurance to cover you since you are unlicensed. 

I also own a 2bd 1 bath home and I'm finishing the basement to make it a 3bd 2 ba plus a loft. secondly keep in mind below grad sf while it is a good value add is worth half as much as above grade sf when it comes to appraisals.I'm sure you can call around, some contractors will probably say I'm crazy, but those are usually the ones paying cash under the table, hiring illegals or unlicensed subs, and you may end up with a ton more leg work or unsatisfactory work in the end.

Agents can’t legally pay an unlicensed person any fees for the work described herein or also risk losing their license.If you intend to wholesale, you need to either close on the property, thereby becoming owner of record on title, then market your property to buyers as owner and resell.

@Robert L.It is illegal in pretty much every state (as far as I know) to pay referral fees/commission to unlicensed individuals in real estate transactions.