Wholesaler versus Real Estate Agent

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Hi, I'm new to real estate investment and am planning to invest in SFH or owner-occupied Residential MFH in metro Charlotte. As a "newbie," should I make my first purchase through a real estate agent? I've owned homes in the past so I've worked with real estate agents before. However, I've never worked with wholesalers, and I'm not even sure that I qualify to work with them (for example, I'll be taking out a loan for the purchase rather than paying cash).

Thank you!