Opening Escrow in Southern CA

[Andy Cross]

Hey BP,

I've got a contract out with a seller, and I'm waiting on a final signature.

I tried searching BP for answers to this question, but I feel like the answers may be specific to the cities those members were from. In Southern CA (or CA for that matter), what is the process to open an escrow account, and filing the contract assignment? And if I plan to wholesale, should I put the EMD down (out of my own pocket) and collect that deposit from the end-buyer?

I'm a step-by-step kind of person...so numbered bullet points would make it crystal clear for me.

Thanks gang!