[DTFdowntofund]

I agree that most funders charge an origination fee but i don't agree that the reason is because "why not charge if everyone else is charging".

The O / UW Fee is for funders to cover some of their upfront costs and to possibly cover some of the broker's upfront commission.
Brokers make an upfront risk free commission, while day one the funder is in the hole the funding amount + the commision.

This.

There can be a multitude of intent when it comes to the set up fees, but to address the reality that "we all play this game to get paid", it can be understandably justified in the amount of overhead it cost the company to not only accept, process and execute the deal.. but in the event of a default, it will at the very least manage to cover cost and the rep's compensation. But at the same time, I'm sure we all know folks who really take advantage here.