The level of ethics in this field vary greatly, mostly to the low side.

Just the way some less ethical people operate; you can't instill ethics into these people either, unfortunately. 

Professional ethics in any industry is the setting and keeping of accepted  standards of conduct and professionalism in that industry, how they deal with the public and with others in that industry.  

I just believe it is a misleading marketing tactic and that companies should operate with greater transparency as a matter of ethics.

Integrity, ethics, hard work, knowledge, along with wisdom, are values that we all should exhibit and strive for.

Once you get out there and people see that you have work ethic you will be able to partner with someone on a deal, or multiple people, which will reduce your portion of the investment.

I've heard the ethics part is a decent portion, but I'm an honest guy so that shouldn't be difficult ;) I'm glad to hear you felt so confident!

Hire an (ethical) attorney to conduct the transaction on my behalf (which I would do for #1 as well).3.

I think making sure the sponsor is moral, ethical and honest is very important, but you also want to be sure they are operating a business properly and not just winging it. 

So don't waste their time....don't steal their sale..... that I get.....But I don't see any ethical issues with having multiple agents know that I'm in the market to buy and what I'm looking for and keep me posted when properties come up.....if that offends you that other agents know that I'm looking, then that's on you....find me the deals and you get the sale...simple enough.....Now the agents can flame on me ......