A seller will almost always get maximum value for their property when they offer the property on the MLS using a local licensed real estate agent. However, many times people can't wait and just want out. Sometimes, siblings are squabbling over an estate... sometimes owners are in tax trouble and need to sell immediately. Sometimes owners are out of state and really don't want to be bothered. In some cases the condition of the property is deplorable, and traditional buyers will not even take a look.
Enter the wholesaler. A real estate wholesaler puts a property under contract with the seller and takes what is called an equitable interest in the real estate. Technically, technically, the wholesaler is not "selling real estate", but rather is selling their "equitable interest" or in practical terms the wholesaler is selling their contract to buy.
There are many potential problems with buying or selling through a wholesaler, but there are also opportunities to buy real estate at below market prices. The wholesaler is a "middle man" who may charge anywhere from a thousand dollars to many thousands of dollars for selling of his or her equitable interest.
We are not wholesalers, but do come across hundreds of these off market deals every day. Let us know if you are interested in this type of purchase.