I operate a legit, moral, and ethical business and did nothing but better the investor image already.

However it is a violation of the code of ethics of the NAR and those rules and penalties apply if your a realtor, but a licensee who is not a realtor can contact listed owners whenever they want.

This is a business where a lot of money is at stake, and the incentives can encourage less than ethical behavior.  

Does this happen often/is it ethical?

Same goes for property management companies that charge hidden fees, I’d venture to guess that OP probably pays hidden fees to her PM (most do) but if we go by the notion that higher pay received by the PM should mean better results…..doesn’t necessarily make that true. point is, it doesn’t matter how compensation is paid out, if the people doing the job are lazy or have a bad work ethic you will have poor performance whether hourly or per job.

I am having a hard time trying to figure out what is ethical or not.

FYI, for your reference below is a description of both courses I've been looking at.Basic Appraisal PrinciplesThis four-day course will introduce you to real property concepts and characteristics, legal considerations, influences on real estate values, types of value, economic principles, market area analysis, highest and best use, and ethical considerations.

. : )Bottom line is an investor finds a willing broker/agent to do what they want to do as long as it is legal and for many brokers/agents it has to be ethical also.If an investor is getting a lot of push back there may be a valid reason for it.

@Shelby Smith Maybe some commercial guys can jump in but its my experience ( albeit limited ) that commercial agents work in this manner1. they get a listing and they ALWAYS try to double end it to their buyers FIRST2. if they can't sell it they open it up to their office.3. if the office can't sell it they then put it out on loopnet coaststar or in rare instances MLSCommercial brokers do not work under the same code of Ethics and rules RESI agents work under..

I am concerned about a non-compete or ethical conflict.Thanks,Sonny