What makes an investor not wholesale a deal themselves?

[John B.]

Why would a struggling investor not use propstream or one of the sites where you can post an all cash deal and instead use a wholesaler they know is making an assignment fee? 

[Cole Bossert]

A struggling investor might still use a wholesaler, even knowing they’re paying an assignment fee, because finding great off-market deals takes serious time and effort. Cold calling, direct mail, negotiating with sellers, and handling all the legwork isn’t easy, and many investors would rather focus on rehabbing, renting, or flipping instead of spending hours hunting for deals. Experience also plays a role—newer investors might not feel confident negotiating directly with sellers or analyzing deals properly, so they see value in having a wholesaler do the groundwork and present them with a deal that still leaves room for profit.