Make sure the person that brings you in has a good reputation and a solid business.

Look up the term list services right here on BP that will give you the names of a number of reputable services out there)C) Go into your local clerk of courts/register of deeds and look up the deeds transferred in the last 30 days.  

i think this is the best site for Real Estate for Networking, Mentoring, Support and the list goes on.My name is Menashe Miltz i just moved to South Florida from New York, i have always loved real estate i was working in NY for a private investment firm doing hard money loans. i decided to move down to South Florida about 6 months ago to get into the real estate market, I just started working for Mazor Realty established in 2004 with a great reputation with clients which was very important to me. 

Get a reputable (can't stress this enough) company to do an inspection and give you an estimate. 

Isn't that bad for a wholesalers reputation?

I would start by finding reputable investors or partners.

If you try to go around the wholesaler your reputation is rightfully ruined. 

Does anyone know of any reputable electrical contractors in the Oak Lawn, IL area?

I personally like the idea of raising private capital money first, build your reputation and track record, and then go after crowdfunding. 

It's important that you review their business carefully to make sure you aren't going to put yourself in a situation that could cost your reputation.