Evaluating Wholesalers in Orange County, California

[Anit Parikh]

Hi - I'm looking to diversity my assets and increase my real estate portfolio.  I have no time or interest in finding motivated sellers directly, and would rather work with a wholesaler or real estate professional to do the legwork and find qualified leads.  I have been approached by a couple of wholesalers that I found on Craigslist in Southern California.

A few questions:
1. What is the best approach to finding high-quality wholesalers in this region?
2. What do you look for in working with a wholesaler?
3. Would you pay anyone a deposit to execute a search for you in advance of finding a property?  Two of the wholesalers asked for this and that didn't sound right, so I passed on the deal.  Seemed very professional and lots of data/property listings, but why would I provide a refundable deposit before anything has transpired.

[Joe Homs]

@Anit Parikh  Welcome to BP. There is a local meetup in Lake forest every month that you should check out. http://meetu.ps/2QWCkh

If you would like to meet up before then and talk about investing let me know. I am in Mission Viejo and can meet at a Starbucks.

I just finished purchasing my next project at the court house steps and I am working on a few more.

To answer your questions. 

I have found very few "True" wholesalers so it's always a work in progress. 

Please don't pay anyone up front for leads, unless they produce and even then be very cautious.  

If you have cash and want to purchase homes on the court house steps let me know. 

Good investing.