Is buying from wholesalers a good idea for landlords?

[John Fuex]

I got into real estate investing by purchasing two rental properties from a friend who was moving out of state and needed to cash out their investment. Both properties have seen positive cash flow and appreciation every year I have owned them. Because it was a "friend" discount and we used lawyers instead of RE agents I was able to get a hella good deal on the properties which really helped make the numbers work.

So now I'm starting to think about investing in some more properties, but I have no experience buying properties. My only experience is having the seller literally call me and offer me a great deal to buy properties. I've never had to hustle to find a property, and I don't really think I am the personality type to be good at sniffing our deals and doing the legwork to find more properties. 

My Question: I'm wondering if buying through wholesalers is advisable for someone who wants to buy and hold rental properties for the cash flow (vs flipping). Are there any major caveats or advice for using wholesalers in this situation someone can offer?

I've searched for answers on this, but the Internet is full of people talking about BECOMING a wholesaler, which is the opposite of what I am interested in. I want to know how to best leverage them as investors, and what to watch out for.

[JM Payne]

I've purchased a deal that we hold as a rental from a wholesaler.  Find one that's been in the game for a long time and knows their business, and then treat them fairly and with respect.  In my area, the biggest tell has been whether or not they'll tell you the address.  If I get vague details about the property and bad pictures with no address, then they're new and I have better things to do. 

The guy we work with always has the address ready for me, and he doesn't bother to send me pictures because he knows I'm going to go look at it.  An experienced wholesaler will be able to walk you through the deal just as easily as an agent would.  The other thing I can tell you that sets him apart is the new wholesalers are all on facebook and have bandit signs all over the place.  My guy takes out ads in the paper, so if you see a local classified that says "buying homes," call that guy.  Best of luck!

-jm