WHOLESALE: What are the first steps?

[Jason Hodge]

Hey guys, I'm just starting out in Whole Sale, and I have so many questions. I've already read a few books, listened to podcasts, watched videos, and I've just gathered so much information. I'm trying to figure out the first step I need to take. What should I do?

I've been scouring craiglist to look for distressed properties. One important question: Does it matter if a house is bank-owned or being sold by a realtor? 

Some other things to note:

I've seen a few discouraging posts about wholesaling in general. A few points being raised that wholesaling is "borderline illegal". Can anyone more experienced help clear up why someone would say this? 

Last thing: I live in Orlando, FL... are any of you in contact with people in FL? I'm currently looking for friends literally anyone that can help me out. 

[Sean Walton]

I'm not a lawyer and I don't operate in FL so do your own research but I have heard FL is seriously cracking down on people assigning contracts because they consider it brokering without a license. You can get your real estate license and work under a broker or you can close or double close your properties which will probably avoid this issue but if you have no money or ability to close many on this site don't think it is ethical to tie up someone's property