How to deal with wholesalers

[Michael Lauther]

[b]I have made an offer on a property through a wholesaler. Is there any reason that we can't just close through the title company with the current owner and have the wholesaler paid from the owners proceeds. I would feel more comfortable if the contract for sale were with the owner and not the wholesaler who does not own the property at this time. Wholesaler says he has Equitable title but I have no evidence of this. I have no trouble with the fee which looks to be around $5000 on a property that will sell for $23000 because I believe the property is worth what I am paying. Also asking for $5,000 earnest money. this seems excessive. I have never paid more than $1,000.

I would appreciate any thoughts on this issue.