Wholesaler reliability

[Yuri Chernousko]

I have a question for people who have more experience with wholesaling than I do.  I have several buy-fix-hold-for-rent properties, but all purchased through the regular process.  I am now following a wholesaler's mailing list and occasionally see properties that I would be interested in.  However, I dislike the idea of handing over a check on the spot.  I mean, I am not in the habit of giving my money to a guy from the street. :)

Question: can anyone recommend a way of checking out the wholesaler's background?  Should the check be deposited to an escrow account, and what are the technicalities of doing that.

Thank you.

Yuri