I stumbled upon a guru teaching wholesaling about a year ago and gave it a shot. 

I can't say whether they will require you to use their broker, but since they are typically not handling the properties under the same type of disposition plan that a bank would handle an REO, you've got a shot!

@Mitch Messerso would i typically have a better shot at going after the REO properties rather then the auctions?

With that in mind, the inexperienced buyers do not get a shot at it. 

It's a long shot depending upon factors that include the owner's fiancial profile, but a bank may want to do a SS vs foreclosure.If the bank will accept a SS have him list it with an agent and make an offer.  

It's not a one shot deal like the "salesman" trying to pressure you says.

Good point @Ben Leybovich  I'm not a big shot investor, don't own hundreds of units (yet) and after 7 years of investing, getting a realtor license and dealing with tenants; I just now feel I know enough to take the next step and get a small multi-family (under 75 doors)Call me conservative, cautious, scared or insane but reading posts in this (wonderful) community of young, inexperienced wanna investors aiming at apartment buildings as first investments with 16K total cash reserves or questions like "how to start with no money at all?"

Definitely worth a shot to check it out though!

It's getting hot and will get hotter, this kind of people can completely transform whole neighbourhoods.I heard in downtown only big shots will be able to buy industrial buildings and convert into residential.

@Kevin DicksonI think it sounds like it's worth a shot and I like the creativity.