Find their motivation and use that as a way to make the deal work.When identifying the deal, take emotion out of the picture and don't get any properties under contract if it doesn't make sense to the end buyer.  

You only work ... temporary to save more and invest full time again right?  

So once a "wholesaler" realizes there is so much money left on the table in the business model, they immediately look for ways to keep more of it.Some keep and rehab, some refinance out and hold as a rental, I close and sell on the MLS.My point is, wholesaling is a temporary job that happens until they have something better to do, which usually takes building up a little cash or making the right connections.That is why there are 1 million wholesalers and very few good ones.Because the second they are any good, they have enough cash or connections to find a better model to monetize the deal they found.Let’s face it, finding deals is the hardest part of the game, and when someone gets even halfway decent at it, they are going to stop giving them to others until they have gotten as much blood from the turnip as their little hands can squeeze out.The reason everyone is searching for a "good wholesaler" is because wholesalers are handing out free money.If you have the ability to find and give away free money, you won't be standing on the corner doing for very long because (i) you realize you are giving away money (ii) someone else will realize you are a leprechaun) and stuff you in their trunk.

Anyways, even after reading lots of articles about how real estate profits are made when buying not selling, I admit that we were blinded by the excitement of owning our first home, and were emotionally attached to the prospects of fixing it up, and living there.  

Hi I am really new to the real estate business and honestly its been a rollercoaster of emotions for me as I am very particular in doing things the right way.

Trying to remind myself there are no emotions in this business, but this is tough to take.

But, without much information to go on, you can start to understand why they have to play these games.The other thing to consider is that they don't get emotionally attached to properties.  

That is your investment nest egg and will go toward your first investment property.(2) Ask every investor you meet for a recommendation real estate book to read.(3) Read all of these real estate books for 12 months.(4) Surround yourself with as many people who are actual real estate investors as possible (go to REI clubs, meetups, etc.)(5) Develop your real estate investment strategy and find a mentor who has had a great amount of success implementing this strategy (he is a millionaire).(6) When you feel ready emotionally, take action!

The nice part of REI is you can buy assets and force appreciaton but that still could be temporary appreciation in declining areas.

The real question is are you emotionally attached to buying this property or are there better suited investments in the area??