Buying from a wholesaler

[Andrew Bertram]

I am new to real estate in Baltimore, Maryland. I am wondering if any of you more experienced investors could give me some advice. I'm looking for deals, but don't have my real estate license so limited access to the MLS and haven't started any marketing yet (though I'm working on a rough draft of a letter to send while driving for dollars). Do you think I could benefit from working with a wholesaler for help finding deals? Or would you recommend that a newcomer take his time and find the deals on his own? I'd also love any insight into how to word letters to distressed homeowners, and how to find the homeowners' addresses in situations where the property is rented.