Seller flipped a switch on me and now I am confused

[Mala S.]

I am trying to get started in real estate investing and sent out a direct mail campaign last week in search of motivated sellers. My hope was to invest in at least one of these properties and potentially wholesale any other deals I may come across through my marketing.

But now, one of my not-so-motivated/ motivated sellers offered to pay me a finder's fee if I can find a buyer for their property at fair market value.
(the seller is sick of dealing with RE agents and offered me half a typical RE commission).

I have a great rapport with the seller and am happy to help them out, and wouldn't mind the extra cash. I also think this could be a good learning experience.

So will I ruin my rep as a wholesaler if I start marketing a property at fair market value? I feel like I have a conflict of interest here...

Has this happened to any other wholesalers out there? Has a seller ever offered to pay you a finders fee to get a full priced buyer for their property?
How do licensed real estate agents feel about this?

[Will Barnard]

There is a huge difference between wholesaling and selling a property for a seller. In the later, you are technically acting as an agent and without a license, breaking the law. In the wholesale arrangement, you become an equitable interest holder in the property, thus, you have every legal right to sell your contract, or re-sell the home.

Wholesaling in NY or any other state for tht matter is not illegal, what becomes illegal is using some illegal technique to wholesale. The wholesaling in of itself is not illegal. Similar to driving, it is not illegal to drive, but it is illegal to go above the speed limit.