Is Real Estate and Multi-Level Marketing (Pyramid) a good combination??

Aloha Fellow Rainers,

I was recently approached by a Realtor about this concept of Real Estate MLM (Multi-Level Marketing).  From what I hear this combination is pretty new to Hawaii, but has been growing nationwide.

Has anyone had any experience with this?  If you have:

1) What has the consumers response been to this type of selling?  

2) As Realtor's do you folks see this as legitimate competition or is do you feel it taints the industry?

I would appreciate hearing some opinions about MLM before I consider sending referrals to these type of Realtors.

Thank you for your help!

Pete

*MLM: Companies like Quixtar, Amway, Arbonne, Herbalife, etc.  "Pyramids"  Recruiting people to be your downline to sell under you, having them recruit people under them, etc.  The higher in the pyramid, the more money you make.