How to approach a seller with a wholesale contract?

[Cristopher Cristia]

Hello guys. I am new to this idea of wholesaling and trying to understand it. I am confused about the initial sales pitch to a seller. 

1) Are you approaching the seller as an investor letting them know that you will market the property to someone else? 

2) Don't you need to put down escrow money to show the seller you are serous? 

3) Why doesn't the buyer just look up the property address on the contract, then contact the seller directly cutting you out and saving himself some money?