I've wondered that myself and thought: If an investor was looking for birddogs why would the birddog have to pay the investor money before they began securing leads for the investor, that the investor would then in turn give the birddog an investor's cut on the profit end???

Starting with a mentor is very smart – it really cuts down on the learning curve, especially with something like a fix & flip.

The sentiment was that STRs are a critical part of Buncombe County so they don't want to cut them off.

You will thank yourself it cuts down the calls by 90% in my experience. 

There are regulationsI could go on, but if you learn this much, and apply it appropriately, you will cut down your sorrows and risk considerably.And yes, there is much more.

The whole WaMu fiasco was directly tied into it.

However, keep in mind that tying your primary home to an investment carries inherent risks, especially if the flip doesn't go as planned.

Basically a concrete slab with pillars, hurricane tie downs and skirting with axle removed. 

Some people just are NOT cut out to be landlords.

Because to provide the seller with value the wholesaler MUST possess the experience and knowledge mentioned above, otherwise the wholesaler is merely tying up the sellers property under false pretenses.