Originally posted by @Simon Campbell:
Wholesaling through the MLS is not impossible, just improbable. There are several reasons.
First, realtors have priced the properties. They are paid by commission. The more they sell the property for, the greater their commission. That is why most properties are at or very close to market value. Not that you can't find a good deal in the MLS but the profit margin for a wholesaler will be much smaller.
Second, realtors are a possessive lot that viciously guard their real estate market against "non-licensed professionals." Many, even most (but not all) realtors are not going to take kindly to low-ball offers from individuals that are bring buyers to pay more for a property and cut them out of a greater commission.
Third, buyers can get access to MLS listings (including REO) though other agents and online sources. So finding a "great deal" that they can cross check with a little work on their behalf is going to create problems down the road. If you can locate non-MLS listings, now you have an unknown property.
So, if you want to farm the MLS, go ahead, but you may find outside deals more profitable.
such interesting info on bp and many times I've stated that real estate investors are like nfl teams. Every coach feels like he's doing the right thing at the right time to win. We've been wholesaling houses on the mls for years. very possible, easy and probible. Bank reo's, shortsales, private owner's etc. Our offers are typically not the highest. Hopefully u can make ur own decision whether to use a realtor or not. This reality doesn't hv to be urs as I know some investors still dont believe an reo or a shortsale can even be wholesaled. all markets are different as in virginia beach, where I am, there were no deals on the mls until 2008. Before that, all prices were too high. I couldn't survive with out my agent, she does all th3 paperwork and we show up for closing... if u want an agent to send u a cash buyer list for the last 6 month, just give them a small fee. If this info helps in any way, pls vote for my post..... good luck