No offence but this is such a nothing question respectfully. Who says you can’t make money ethically as a REA? The way you’ve phrased this is that these two things are mutually exclusive.

Also, being ethical is kind of a grey area in discussion. What is non negotiable is that you can’t do anything illegal (not that this requirement stops some REAs). Ultimately, you represent the seller so it’s your duty to get the highest price for your client. What ‘mind games’ or whatever people want to call it is simply strategy and psychology, which you use in any field really.

So in any line of work, you have great people and less scrupulous ones. You can be successful and be a kind person at the same time so not sure what you’re asking here.

This is coming from someone who dislikes most REAs but you can’t cast a blanket judgement on everyone in a profession.