Hell, she could simply blackmail her way out by simply threatening to report him to the Texas Real Estate Commission for practising unlicensed.

In my state (and I believe most/all other states), the only person who is legally allowed to pay an unlicensed person a referral fee is an unlicensed seller.

An unlicensed wholesaler isn't bound by those same regulations.

I don't believe this would be legal where I am, as its essentially a licensee agent paying a referral to someone unlicensed, non-principal and undisclosed, all of which is illegal.

It all depends on the crews you hire - licensed or unlicensed and what exactly has to be done, yes David Greene says he had electric upgraded but what does that mean ?

Moreover, you don't have to pay him or her he if or she is acting as an unlicensed agent.If the person has a contract on the property (has an interest in it) and is assigning it to you (essentially, selling you the contract), that is different. 

@Matt Welch Nevada is cracking down hard on unlicensed contractor activity, so you'll want to keep that in mind when hiring for work to be completed.

Sometimes cheap labor could be costlier on the long run, i.e. vacant unit for longer time frames, accidents, liability for hiring unlicensed contractor.

For example, under most circumstances, if an individual is involved in unlicensed activity for one month, a civil penalty of $30,000 may be issued.You may ask, “I’m a licensed real estate broker (or salesperson), why are you telling me this?”

Otherwise stay unlicensed and hope you dont get turned in.