They can have a third party (escrow) verify that the funds are sitting safe and sound within their escrow company.

It can be a process server, the Sheriff's Office, or anyone over the age of 18 who is not a party to the lawsuit.

I ask these questions as a general third party who is not familiar with that market. 

As a licensed agent, you have the burden of disclosures with the parties involved. 

I'll be honest until I have the first under my belt, I'm playing conservative.

If you are a conservative person and want to reduce risk, normally that comes with spending a little more.  

Now, I don't actually know, but I will speculate that this agent will put the seller's house under contract then market that contract to their stable of buyers.Outside of that, I've never actually heard of an agent or broker buying properties for resale, though I'm sure it actually happens occasionally - just not as a matter of practice.The whole question of licensing for wholesaling seems to be a legal grey-area, especially when one gets a MLS-listed property under contract with the intention of then selling that contract to another person/party.

Armed with the Proof of Funds and Letter of Intent, I called the seller directly (this part is the hardest.  

The Overall vacancy for metropolitan MTL (across all unit types) is running about 4.0% - various neighbourhoods are going to be higher or lower.When analyzing a potential acquisition, you want to be very conservative with your numbers.  

PS - It is illegal for us to get any kickback from venders we recommend unless it is disclosed upfront to all parties.