I can assure you that many of the machines on EBay are the same machines that have been offered to Electrologists, Doctors and others around the country. You just have to know what names to look for. Although these machines are $50k to $250K when purchased brand new from the manufacturer, it is clear that they are sold for so much less on ebay by those who have paid for them new.
As for legality, it is true that there are rules that state that only persons who meet the local standards for use of the machine SHOULD be sold these devices, it is just like the professional electrolysis machines. Although pro equipment should only be sold to the pros, you will often find them sold to the highest bidder and shipped without any checking into the credentials of the buyer. After all, it is the possessor of the equipment who would be in immediate trouble if found using the equipment illegally. If you check, you will see names like Palomar, Candela, Gentlelase and so on being sold on EBay every day for MUCH MUCH LESS that $50K.