"Start investing and continue to do so at a affordable rate until you choose to stop".

Hold off on entering the business until you're ready to give your clients 100%, as to do otherwise is a disservice to your clients and the overall reputation of agents everywhere.

You should also recognize their business tactics to obtain a contract, often with deception saying such things as "we buy houses" or "I'll buy your house", they never buy as they don't close.So, where you are as a buyer is in a position of dealing with someone who 1. isn't knowledgeable about real estate, 2. they lack business knowledge, 3. if they are aware of license laws and what a straw man deal is, they ignore the law, 4. many do  pick and choose what laws they  will follow, like using bandit signs to advertise. 5. from that, you  never know what they may have said to a seller which can come back on you, like a seller thinking you are their "partner". 6.

If your reputation means anything I'd suggest you not get on the wholesaling circus train of clowns.

It also sounds as though you did not do an LLC and choose to be treated as a Sub S corp, so the income will also come to you as Earned Income, and will also be subject to Self Employment Tax (although you might have already paid the maximum).I applaud your decision to set up some kind of system before you do anything like this again.  

I ended up losing one of the leads due to her choosing to work with a realtor but was able to continue working with the other seller.

Depending on what market you choose and the conditions of that market you may want to sell first prior to finding the next property.

Can anybody recommend a reputable company?

@Eric Pinter Why did you choose Van Buren over Little Rock's market?  

What they don't preach is how much hard work is involved, or how reputation is EVERYTHING....