Buyer Wants to Talk with Seller...What Do I Do?

[Michael DeVowe]

I have an investor that is very interested in a mixed use building that my friend owns. The investor wants to speak with the owner to "get more details". I want to make this is great deal for everyone, but am concerned my friend (the owner) will want to do the deal directly with the buyer, find out the desired sale price, etc. Do I just get the property under contract first, then find an investor? I do not want to ruin my reputation (esp. my friend who is very skeptical of my REI endeavors) and have to back out of the contract.

Your feedback would be great.