Looking into my first deal

[Matthew Brill]

Hello all. I'm new to BP and exciting about everything the community has to offer.

I'm looking into my first investment purchase but I'm curious on certain analysis and some logistics. I have a neighbor in my townhouse community (which doesn't allow renting) who is looking to get out of her property quickly by a short sale and has yet to list her property. I have been talking to her and hope to get a good deal that I would turn around and immediately sell at market value. Does the 70% rule of wholesaling apply and I just don't adjust for rehab costs? Do real estate agents need to get involved? Could we just use RE lawyers and save on closing costs or should I play it safe and still go through RE agents? Is this a situation to use one agent to represent buyer and seller? I'm not sure of how to proceed in regards to discussing purchase price without agents/lawyers, or the order of things to be done. 

I appreciate the time and any given advice!

Matt