Working with wholesalers without a realtor

[Terri B.]

I'm looking to acquire a couple of properties from neighbors. I know their contact info and situation, so these are hot leads. I'd like to work with a wholesaler to be the middle person to facilitate/negotiate the sell and get the properties under contract. Does this make sense to do? What agreement do I need to have in place to ensure I'm not screwed over? Do I need a realtor after the wholesaler gets the property under contract? Where does the purchase agreement come into play?