Why have wholesalers; can't the buy/fix/flip or hold investor do it?

[Chad Hurin]

If the job of the wholesaler is to broker the deal between seller and buyer, couldn't the buyer find the same deal and save the assignment fee?

• What special skill does wholesalers have?
• Is there rule of thumb for wholesalers to make the deal? A formula?
• Wouldn't wholesalers be in the category of loan sharks; preying on the "motivated".

1. I assume they have some special skill that does provide a service to the motivated? No disrespect from honest wholesalers; just trying to understand.

• Why chose assignment form over double close/escrow (hiding the profit of the wholesale)?
• What happens if the wholesaler doesn't find a buyer? Just lose ernest money?

I know some of these are basic. Please help me understand. Thank you!