Most of these old houses had work done by unlicensed friends and family, especially add-ons, plumbing and electrical.

Additionally, it is a hard pill to swallow when a cash buyer for a rehab project sees the middle men/women make $50k or more on a spread when the rehabber will be lucky to make that same $50k with a whole heck more work and more risk to make that same money.You could be better off finding deals and double ending or even triple ending the listing and make more money without all the nonsense that is typical in wholesale transactions (and often illegal with those unlicensed).

You can also report the unlicensed "business", which would likely get the township's attention.Does the townhouse fall within an HOA?

I am a part time agent and know that unless you are already well connected with friends, family and neighbors, it can be tough to start earning comissions early on.You might consider working under a busy, established agent as an unlicensed assistant helping them with marketing, logistics, showings (as your state law allows), open houses, paperwork and lead generation for an hourly rate.

What are the benefits of an unlicensed wholesaler working with a real estate agent or broker?

With that said, I would venture a guess that the majority of jobs similar to what you described are carried out in ME with unlicensed guys. 

Also, be careful of hiring unlicensed contractors, in some states its illegal.

The Agency is well aware that unlicensed “wholesalers” are rampant in our jurisdiction.

Some agents in my area (DC) are saying it's not allowed because a licensed person can't pay any sort of money to an unlicensed person as that constitutes a 'referral fee.' 

It seems the representations made by many, from unlicensed brokers, to licensed "wholesalers", etc are often so far off base that an unsuspecting newbie could be taken bad.