VCA has a proven track record for being extremely professional, licensed, scrupulous, transparent and ethical.

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

Sometimes paying a tiny bit more in points or interest is worth it--because that lender is ethical and clear. 

Not saying its an ethical angle, but it is the law, If you never received a deposit slip regarding the safekeeping of your deposit, you can demand that deposit due.....Secondly,"No deposit may be collected by a landlord unless the rental agreement is in writing and a written checklist or statement specifically describing the condition and cleanliness of or existing damages to the premises and furnishings, including, but not limited to, walls, floors, countertops, carpets, drapes, furniture, and appliances, is provided by the landlord to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy."

@Jonathan Holmes, @Joe Davalos and @Michael Ablan There are a number of sites where you can direct people to get off mailing lists.The FTC has an informational site about all sorts of unwanted contact: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-emailBut the place to go for opting out of mail is The Direct Marketing Association: http://www.directmail.com/mail_preference/Most professional and ethical list compilers will run their lists the the DMA suppression each month as part of the standard list hygiene.

It is important to interview them, morals, ethics, and more to make sure it all aligns with you. 

How do I know if a lender is ethical and in good legal standing? 

The whole team is very ethical and classy. 

Also a lot of them do not have the work ethic/mindset to tackle this aspect of RE and be successful.

You should also interview brokers and make sure they're flexible with you being creative with commissions, and if they will charge you a flat fee for listings instead of a %.2 - It will work the same as if you're not licensed, but you must disclose your licensed status to all buyers and sellers, and if you also become a Realtor, you will have to abide by the NAR code of ethics.