Miranda helps her friend Lupe purchase a home. She researches the neighborhood, assists her with a mortgage -- she essentially acts as Lupe's real estate agent. There is only one issue, Miranda does not have a California license and Lupe has paid Miranda for her help. Is this acceptable?

It is certainly not acceptable.

Explanation:

Based on the scenario being described within the question it can be said that this is actually not acceptable. Mainly because Miranda does not have a valid real estate license to operate in California, and despite this fact is still accepting payment for completing a real estate transaction. Making what she is doing not only not acceptable but illegal.

This not acceptable and would amount to fraud.

Explanation:

In the professional life of an individual, there are expected standards which they would be expected to upholds inorder to keep the society sane and moving. Going against such ethics would amount to unethical practices.

In the case of Miranda, since her state, California requires a license before one can function as an estate agent, she purchasing a house for her friend without the license amount to unethical standards (practice) and is highly unacceptable. In most case, she would be sued as a result of the action which she did being a fraud.