No - there is no reason to restrict your profits just because you know how to negotiate a profitable transactions, we do it all the time -It's very exciting to sell real estate you don't own, but only control with a cleverly and creative skinny, legally engineered contract offer. 

That would be a option for you if the deal is too skinny to wholesale.

I use a one page contract offer - one that is simple, yet favors me - a skinny contract offer will not scare a potential seller  away with all those words and legalese  - you don't want your hot to sell owner delaying a decision due to a confusing long contract - KEEP IT SIMPLE."

I just know the cost/benefit or effort/reward ratio hunting hard for the skinny deals in my market is hardly worth it anymore.

The most important thing in the life of an investor are DEALS - lawyers are a dime a dozen, you don't need a lawyer if you are an investor, you need a deal, an assignment agreement, a skinny contract of sale, some wonderful contract clauses and a title company.

I have a few specific sellers I am waiting to get off the fence and retire, but I am generally in agreement with you @Diane G.I refuse to pay these crazy prices and chase skinny deals. 

The good ones will survive and thrive, the bottom 80% will find a different career track when their kids start getting skinny. 

A serious investor is ready to do deals - cash lined up, skinny contract at the ready, assignment agreements, understanding of creative financing - terms - presentation, knowledge of marketing by private treaty or public auctions.

Most agents don't know how to negotiate commission with properties not listed - for those you need to reach into your pocket to pay them the commission.When you find an agent that you like - you may want to train him or her to do some of the following:make offers on unlisted buildings - expired listings - FSBO'srepresent you at public auctionsfarm for deals you can buygive you comps all the timeeducate you on Nothing Down techniques, delayed settlements, study periods, seller financing, no interest mortgages and other contract clauses that will accelerate you profits in the real estate businessUsing a "skinny contract" - one that is not 35 pages longsecond stage negotiations processescontrol and roll properties with out obligation to close - assignmentsmaking lease options offersmake offers subject to your approvalcreate mailing list of Absent Ownersdo a mailing of commercial propertiesto be a fiduciary buyer's broker for younotify you daily of new listingsline up financingsit in open housesadvise you on new lawsrun down foreclosureshelp you with landlord tenant lawsrepresent you in housing courthelp you understand the auction business of making money - reserve, hybrid, absolute auction -etcJust to mention a few things a good agent should do for you.Agents for the most part don't make lots of money for the services they provide - you may want to share some of you potential equity profits with them (should be a written agreement) also give them some cash for their service beyond the call of an agent's duty.Good luck in finding an agent capable to do many of the above things - 

Over the years I developed a skinny contract, a hybrid contract offer and long form commercial contract offer that serves this need to be protected and assignment clauses that gets the job done.