The homeowner has like 4 dogs in the back and it is solid dirt, bad deal.  

Nobody that I've worked with (yet) has struck me as particularly unscrupulous, but it just seems like this process is akin to dragging a dog for a walk on a rainy day.

And I appreciate the spirit of the rule and i would just say that I have no dog in that hunt.  

The issue is more to some old dog simply staying current.

Since we (my husband and I) are just starting out, would you recommend we "bird dog" first to learn the ropes before we jump into wholesaling?

We both monitor the MLS and take calls and emails from our bird dogs, so lets say the hard part of finding the deals is even.For leads, we both weed through and I usually decide which ones are worth pursuit, and he actually goes out to see them, takes photos, makes notes, and pulls comps for the ARV if we get that far.

They get paid more of a bird dog fee than as a partner.It is absolutely true that most people are consumed by their own priorities than yours therefore their deals will always take precedence over yours.  

Everyone you meet door knocking can be a bird dog for you. 4.

I took the advice of several BP podcasts and just drove (actually walked the dog) through my nearby neighborhoods.  

However, when there is a problem on their end, such as rent is going to be late, or they broke a window, or their dog chew up a door, for some strange reason it's the wife who would make the call.May be they think I would waive the damages or be less strict in enforcing rules when the wife calls?