This behavior is typically repeated 100% of the time.

So don't throw out charges of unethical behavior without considering that the person who puts down $5K or $10K for a lease option clouds the title for the 3 years of the option, or whatever the term. 

Being an agent with a bona fide listing agreement precludes this type of behavior..

I agree with Dave Ramsey up to a point, but I also agree with a previous post that said Ramsey's target audience is really the individual who uses consumer debt irresponsibly and will never change his behavior.  

Also, Keep in mind that affecting your tenants behaviors may be able to solve this for you.

Go for it Arnie, you never know what you might find.This deal may have something fishy, however, investor behavior and psychology is imperfect, and lots of valuable deals pass by because of some of the reasons that you mentioned. 

It is irrational behavior to us, but the average person doesn't want to have to worry about replacing an HVAC system or reroofing a house.

That someone is a licensed real estate professional is by no means a guarantee of ethical behavior, but again, having a license regime documents standards of behavior that will get bad actors out of the way.  

And it goes against my principles to pay "bribe" and encourage bad behavior.

The tool is use is just a way to organize and display that data.