BiggerPockets

George, I don't think there are any shortcuts to creating a sustainable wholesale business (I'm not implying that you did). "There is no substitute for hard work and experience." Networking is the key. These networks are best built by getting into the game and seeing who the players are...or identifying who wants to be a player. I built my buyer list by placing adds in the local newspaper about houses for sale then captured info on whom ever called. I passed out flyers in the neighborhoods marketing my homes for sale, use direct mail, call for sale adds...likely you'll run into some investors who may want to buy from you or sell for you, any type of community event where you can make people aware of what you are doing should allow you to find interested people. Use social medias like facebook, twitter, my space etc..to let people know what you do. Wholesaling is a PEOPLE business. The more people who know who you are and know you have great deals, the more people you will attract and the stronger relationships you will build.

Bird dogging isn't worth the hassle, IMO. I mean, if these people could find great deals, they'd be flipping them themselves. A bird dog is paid on commission, and once they see that they aren't making much, if any, money, they split. The best bird dogs to have are other wholesalers. Guys that may be decent at finding deals, but need help selling them...

I agree with Andrew. The idea of using "birddogs" is overrated primarily because it takes you out of the real world experience of learning how and where to find good deals. There is no good subsitute for finding good deals using proven techniques, many of which are outlined on BP. The most effective way of becoming a successful wholesaler is doing the "hard work" of getting out there and becoming involved directly with the people who are doing the deals by buying and selling properties on a daily basis.