How does the changing market affect wholesalers?

[Michael Clark]

With the real estate market moving towards recovery, in what ways does the wholesaling field change? I understand there will always be motivated sellers, regardless of the market condition. I assume that absentee owner lists, inheritance lists, probate lists, etc. can be good lead sources in any market. However, unemployment continues to decrease, home values continue to increase, and the number of foreclosures continues to drop (on a national level). I’ve heard some investors comment that it’s time to move from a buy and flip strategy to a buy and hold strategy. I live in the Philadelphia area, and hope to get into wholesaling until I have enough capital to execute buy and hold deals. However, I don’t want to climb onto a “sinking ship” so to speak. Aside from wholesaling being a difficult field in general, are the current market changes working for or against wholesalers? How are you adjusting your strategy in response to the market changes? As someone just getting into the real estate investing game now, I really want to wrap my head around where things are going.  Thanks!