what do I say to a realtor to get a list of cash sales?

[Mary Stead]

I am ready to start real estate wholesaling. I need to find and talk to a realtor to work with who can help me with market research including the cash sales. My experience with the local realtors is they say "no, I can not do that". I explain what I where the information is in the MLS and what it is and they still say no. What suggestions do you have?

[Aaron Lovett]

Hi @Mary Stead, 

Most agents, including Realtors, want to work. So, I wonder if there is something in your conversation with the Realtors you've talked to that has given them a wrong or bad impression. For example, if they think you just want them for access to the MLS, but that you will be doing the deals themselves, then they have no incentive to do that. In fact, it's possible that their MLS rules (or broker's instructions) might prohibit them from feeding you information without being under contract with you as a buyer's agent.

Another possibility is that is an issue with "wholesaling". Some wholesalers do so legally, others don't. Usually "legally" means that either they are licensed, or they take actual ownership of the property. If you tell a Realtor basically "I am an investor. I want to buy properties that are listed on the MLS, make some repairs, and sell them for a profit, and I am willing to pay you a commission for your help in this endeavor." I doubt you will get so many negative responses.

I do recommend that you work with a Realtor, at least for your first few deals. Pay close attention to everything they do, and the people that they use, and you'll make connections along the way. Alternatively, you could just get your license and have your own MLS access. =)