Wholesale Real Estate: Calculator & Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to break into real estate investing without much money, experience, or risk, wholesale real estate is one of the best ways to start. It's fast, low-cost, and teaches you how to find deals, negotiate with sellers, and connect with buyers—without ever needing to buy the property yourself.

This guide is built for beginners. We’ll walk you through the entire process step by step, show you how to run the numbers, and explain how to use our free wholesale real estate calculator to determine whether a deal is worth pursuing.

By the end, you’ll know how to wholesale, why it works, and how to start.

Here’s everything we’re going to cover:

• Key Takeaways
• What is Wholesaling Real Estate?
• Wholesale Real Estate Deal Calculator
• Wholesaling Real Estate Step by Step
• Is Wholesaling Real Estate Legal?
• Wholesale Real Estate Example
• Benefits Of Wholesaling Real Estate
• Real Estate Wholesaling FAQ

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Key Takeaways

Before we dive in, here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll walk away with after reading this guide on real estate wholesaling:

• How wholesaling works: Learn the full process from finding a deal to getting paid, without needing to buy the property yourself.
• Why wholesaling is beginner-friendly: Discover why so many new investors choose this path to start building their real estate income.
• The power of a cash buyers list: Understand why finding the right buyers is just as important as finding the right deals.
• How to make money wholesaling real estate: See exactly how assignment fees work and how wholesalers get paid.
• How to use our wholesale calculator: Plug in numbers and instantly know if a deal makes sense with our wholesale calculator real estate tool.

What is Wholesaling Real Estate?

Wholesaling is all about connecting the dots. You find a property that’s priced below market value, get it under contract, and then pass that contract to another buyer—typically an investor—who closes on the deal. You’re not buying the house yourself; you’re just flipping the paperwork for a fee. You don’t need to fix it up, take out a loan, or close on the house yourself. You’re essentially acting as the deal maker, connecting motivated sellers with cash buyers and getting paid for it.

This is known as a contract assignment. Once you lock in a deal at a good price, you assign your rights in the contract to someone else for a fee, often called an assignment fee. It’s a legitimate, widely used approach that doesn’t require you to purchase or own the property at any point. If you’re looking for a clear wholesale real estate definition, that’s it: locking up a deal and assigning it to an end buyer for profit.

Now, if you're still wondering, “What’s the difference between wholesaling and flipping,” here’s the biggest differentiator: flipping requires you to actually buy the property, invest time and money into renovations, and then resell it. Wholesaling skips all of that. You don’t need to swing a hammer, manage contractors, or take on risk from owning the property. That’s why so many beginner investors start here—it’s low risk, low capital, and fast turnaround.

In short, wholesaling real estate is about learning how to spot a deal, build trust with sellers, and assign real estate contracts to investors who are ready to buy. You’re not flipping a house; you’re flipping contracts. And the payoff can be substantial when you know what to look for.

Read Also: What Is Wholesale Real Estate? The Ultimate Guide For Investors

Importance of Wholesale Real Estate

If you’re just starting out in real estate, wholesaling might be one of the most practical ways to get moving. You don’t need a huge budget, and you’re not taking on big risks. It’s just about finding a good deal and connecting it with someone ready to buy. For a lot of investors, this is how they got their foot in the door.

First, wholesaling gives you the chance to build real capital fast. That cash can be used later to flip properties, buy rentals, or reinvest in marketing. For many investors, wholesaling is the starting line that fuels their entire real estate investing strategy.

It’s also one of the best ways to learn by doing. You’re out there finding deals, negotiating with sellers, and solving problems in real time.

Compared to flipping or buy-and-hold investing, wholesaling moves fast. You’re not waiting months for renovations or years for appreciation. You lock up a deal, assign it, and collect your fee. That kind of turnaround is rare in real estate and makes wholesaling a powerful tool in your exit strategy toolkit. In the end, wholesale real estate deals are a great starting point.

Wholesale Real Estate Deal Calculator

One of the most important skills you can master is knowing how to run the numbers. This business moves fast, and being able to quickly tell whether a property is a potential wholesale deal or a waste of time is what separates rookies from professionals.

That’s exactly why we built a free wholesale real estate calculator—so you can stop guessing and start making smarter offers with confidence.

Here’s how it works: you plug in just a few pieces of information, and the calculator helps you determine your Maximum Allowable Offer (MAO)—the highest price you should offer a seller while still leaving enough room for your end buyer to make a profit. It factors in:

• ARV (After Repair Value): What the property will be worth once it’s fixed up.
• Estimated Rehab Costs: A realistic budget for what the end buyer will need to spend on renovations.
• Buyer’s Profit Margin: How much room your buyer needs to make it worth their time.
• Your Assignment Fee: What you want to earn on the deal.

All of this combines to calculate your MAO. If you negotiate under that number, great. You’ve got a potential wholesale deal on your hands. If not, it might be time to walk away or renegotiate.

Are you ready to run the numbers on your own deals? Download our free wholesale calculator here and see what you’re capable of.

Wholesaling Real Estate Step by Step

So far, you’ve learned what wholesale real estate is, why it’s such a powerful strategy for beginners, and how to run the numbers using the calculator. Now it’s time to put that knowledge and the calculator into action.

Wholesaling isn’t about guesswork or luck. There’s a clear, proven process that you can follow, and when you do it right, it can lead to consistent, profitable deals. Whether you're brand new or you've been studying wholesaling for a while, these steps will give you a solid foundation to build off of.

Here’s what the full process looks like:

1. Partner With A Wholesale Mentor
2. Learn Wholesale Real Estate Laws And Contracts
3. Understand The Real Estate Market
4. Build A Cash Buyers List
5. Find Motivated Sellers And Distressed Properties
6. Put Distressed Properties Under Contract
7. Assign Contracts To Cash Buyers
8. Close Deals And Collect Assignment Fee
9. Double Close When Necessary

1. Partner With A Wholesale Mentor

Wholesale real estate for beginners can be one of the best ways to get started, but that doesn’t mean it’s without challenges. Contracts, negotiations, and deal analysis can all move fast. Costly mistakes are easy to make if you’re going it alone.

That’s why working with someone who’s already done it is a game-changer. A good real estate wholesaling mentorship helps you spot red flags, structure better deals, and move with confidence through your first wholesale deal and beyond. Inside our Ultimate Investor Program, we teach all of this step by step—because having a clear plan (and the right support) makes all the difference.

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*For in-depth training on real estate investing, Real Estate Skills offers extensive courses to get you ready to make your first investment! Attend our FREE Webinar Training and gain insider knowledge, expert strategies, and essential skills to make the most of every real estate opportunity that comes your way!

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2. Learn Wholesale Real Estate Laws And Contracts

A lot of beginners ask the same question: Is wholesale real estate legal? The simple answer is yes—wholesaling is legal in all 50 states. But here’s what most people miss: each state has its own real estate laws, and those laws determine how wholesaling must be done to stay compliant. It’s not just about whether you can wholesale—it’s about how you do it.

Two key wholesale real estate contracts make up the foundation of every deal. First, there’s the purchase agreement. This is the contract you sign with the seller to secure the property. It must be clearly written and, most importantly, assignable, meaning you can legally transfer your rights to another buyer. Without that clause, you may not be able to wholesale the deal at all.

Second is the assignment contract. This is what you sign with your end buyer (usually a cash investor), and it officially passes your interest in the original contract to them. This document outlines your assignment fee, the terms of the transfer, and the buyer’s responsibilities.

Wholesaling is a powerful strategy, but to do it right, you need to understand the wholesaling legal requirements in your state and use contracts that keep you protected. Always check the fine print and get legal guidance when needed.

FREE Download: Wholesale Real Estate Contracts

3. Understand The Real Estate Market

To succeed as a wholesaler, you need more than just determination; you need to understand the real estate market in your area. That means knowing where investors are buying, what buyers are looking for, and where sellers are more likely to be motivated.

Start by studying neighborhoods. Which areas are getting flipped? Where are cash buyers investing? Look at recent property comps to understand what homes are selling for. Use tools like Zillow, Redfin, or PropStream to compare ARVs and spot opportunities others might miss. Track listings and sales trends to know whether the market is heating up or cooling down.

This type of market analysis helps you find sellers who need to sell and buyers who are eager to close. It also gives you the confidence to speak their language, price deals correctly, and win trust on both sides of the transaction.

4. Build A Cash Buyers List

If you want to wholesale with confidence, you need to know exactly who you’re selling to before you even lock up a deal. That’s why building your cash buyers list comes first. Having serious investors lined up ahead of time means you can go into negotiations knowing what they want, how much they’ll pay, and how quickly they can close.

Start by networking at real estate meetups, auctions, Facebook groups, and investor forums. Learn how to build a buyers list for wholesaling by connecting with cash buyers, asking about their ideal deals, and verifying they can close fast. Keep detailed notes on their preferences, funding, and location targets.

This kind of preparation is key to your exit strategy. When you’ve done your homework, your wholesale real estate deals won’t feel like guesswork; they’ll feel like a match already made.

5. Find Motivated Sellers And Distressed Properties

If you want to find motivated sellers and secure properties with profit potential, the MLS is one of your best tools. While many investors chase off-market deals, we teach our students how to use the MLS to consistently uncover distressed properties that other wholesalers overlook.

Not every homeowner is just casually testing the market. Some people need to sell fast—maybe because they’re behind on payments, going through a divorce, or just inherited a place they don’t want. When someone’s in that kind of spot, they’re usually open to lower offers, which can be a win for you and the investor you’re bringing the deal to.

On the MLS, look for keywords like “as-is,” “price reduced,” or “fixer”—those listings often signal motivation.

Once you’ve found a potential deal, it’s time to use your wholesale calculator. This is where numbers matter. Start with the ARV, subtract estimated repair costs and your buyer’s desired profit, and then factor in your assignment fee. What you’re left with is your Maximum Allowable Offer.

Understanding ARV & MAO

To analyze wholesale deals like a pro, you need to understand two core numbers: ARV and MAO.

ARV stands for After Repair Value. This is what the property will realistically sell for once it’s been fully renovated. You determine ARV by looking at recent comparable sales (comps) in the area for similar properties in a similar condition.

Once you know the ARV, you can calculate your MAO using this common formula:

MAO = (ARV × 70%) − Repair Costs − Your Assignment Fee

This helps you reverse-engineer what you can afford to offer the seller while still leaving enough profit for your end buyer and for you.

Not comfortable estimating your own ARV yet? No problem. Use our free ARV calculator below to get a reliable estimate and run the numbers with confidence.

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After-Repair-Value (ARV) Calculator

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6. Put Distressed Properties Under Contract

Once you’ve got a promising lead and the numbers make sense, the next step is getting it under contract. This is where the conversation with the seller really counts. Your goal isn’t to lowball—it’s to find common ground. If you can offer a fair price and a quick, hassle-free closing, chances are they’ll be open to a deal that still leaves room for your buyer to profit.

Use your MAO as your guide during these talks. Don’t lowball just to get a “yes”—explain the numbers, be transparent, and focus on solving their problem. When a seller feels understood and respected, they’re far more likely to agree to terms that work for both sides.

Once agreed, you’ll fill out a purchase agreement that outlines the price, timeline, and key terms. Make sure it’s assignable so you can pass the contract to your buyer. This is the first major milestone in wholesaling.

7. Assign Contracts To Cash Buyers

With the seller’s contract signed and your numbers locked in, it’s time to assign the real estate contract to your buyer. This is where your cash buyers list comes into play. You'll present the deal to qualified investors and find the one ready to move on the deal fast. Remember, this is why we already created a buyers list.

The actual handoff happens with an assignment contract. This simple document transfers your interest in the purchase agreement to the end buyer. It outlines the terms, purchase price, and your assignment fee—the amount you’ll earn for connecting the deal.

This step is what makes real estate wholesaling so scalable. You’re not flipping a house, you’re flipping the paperwork—and when the contract assignment is done right, you're just one step away from closing and getting paid.

Read Also: How To Find Cash Buyers For Real Estate & Build Your List

8. Close Deals And Collect Assignment Fee

Once your buyer signs the assignment contract, it’s time to close the wholesale deal. This usually happens at a title company or a closing attorney’s office, depending on your state. They’ll coordinate with all parties, verify the paperwork, and handle the funds.

Once everything checks out, the buyer takes ownership, the seller gets paid, and you walk away with your assignment check.

What Is A Good Profit Margin For Wholesale Real Estate?

So what’s a “good” payday on a wholesale deal? While assignment fees can vary depending on the market and the deal, most successful wholesalers aim for a wholesale real estate profit margin in the range of $5,000 to $30,000 per deal.

We typically shoot for at least $10,000 as a solid benchmark. It’s enough to make the deal worth your time without making your fee feel inflated to the buyer. In tighter markets, $5K might be more realistic. In high-margin areas or heavy rehab projects, $20K–$30K is absolutely doable.

Your assignment fee is part of the larger equation that affects your buyer’s ROI, so always be mindful of the full wholesale deal spread. When you structure the numbers right and create win-win deals, your profit margin will take care of itself.

9. Double Close When Necessary

Not every seller will be comfortable with the idea of you assigning the contract to someone else. Some worry it feels too much like flipping paper. When that happens, experienced wholesalers use a double close to keep the deal alive.

In a double close, you actually purchase the property yourself and then immediately resell it to your end buyer, often on the same day. It involves two separate transactions, but when done right, it can ease a seller’s concerns and protect your spread, especially if your assignment fee is on the larger side.

This is one of those wholesaling tactics that isn’t always necessary, but it’s important to know how to do it. Having the ability to double close gives you more flexibility—and flexibility means more deals get closed and more money finds its way into your pockets.

Is Wholesaling Real Estate Legal?

Yes, wholesaling is 100% legal in all 50 states, but that doesn’t mean you can do it however you want. The real question isn’t “is wholesale real estate legal?” It’s whether you’re doing it legally in your state.

Each state has its own rules around contracts, assignments, and how you market deals. Some states require you to disclose your role as a wholesaler. Others are stricter when it comes to advertising a property you don’t own. And in certain cases, you may need a real estate license if you’re marketing the deal publicly or collecting fees in a way that mirrors agency work.

The key to legal wholesaling is staying in full compliance with your state’s laws—knowing what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to structure your deals properly from the start.

If you’re unsure where your state stands or want to make sure you’re doing everything right, we’ve created a free downloadable guide that walks you through exactly how to wholesale legally in your state.

Read Also: Is Wholesaling Real Estate Legal? The Ultimate Guide For Investors

Wholesale Real Estate Example

Let’s walk through a quick wholesale real estate deal so you can see how the numbers work in real life—and how the wholesale real estate calculator makes it simple.

Say you find a distressed property that would be worth $300,000 after repairs. The estimated repair costs are $50,000. Your end buyer wants to make at least $40,000 in profit, and you want to earn a $10,000 assignment fee. Plug all of this into the wholesale calculator real estate tool:

MAO = ($300,000 × 0.70) – $50,000 – $10,000 = $150,000

That means the most you should offer the seller is $150,000. If they accept, you’ve got a deal that works for everyone, and you just turned a potential lead into a real wholesale deal with a $10K payday.

It’s math like this that keeps you from guessing—and helps you lock up profitable deals with confidence. Try a wholesale deal example like this using our calculator and see how quickly the pieces fall into place.

Benefits of Wholesaling Real Estate

There’s a reason so many new investors start with wholesaling; it’s fast, low-risk, and gives you real experience in the field, without needing to spend a fortune to get started. Here are just a few of the biggest benefits of wholesaling real estate:

                                                                                                                                

Benefit	Why It Matters
Fast Cash	You can make money wholesaling real estate in as little as 30 days—no renovations, no tenants, no waiting.
Low Capital Required	Many wholesalers close their first deal with little to no money down. It’s one of the few investing models that doesn’t require deep pockets.
Learn While You Earn	Wholesaling teaches you how to analyze deals, talk to sellers, and navigate contracts, all while getting paid. It’s the ultimate on-the-job training.
Build Your Network	You’ll meet buyers, agents, title reps, and contractors, creating a foundation for future flips or rentals.
Proven Entry Point	This strategy is how thousands of investors got started. If you want fast real estate profits without high risk, wholesaling is the way in.

 

Real Estate Wholesaling FAQ

Still have questions about how wholesale real estate works? Here are quick answers to the most common things new investors ask. These will help you get clear, stay compliant, and keep moving forward with confidence.

Do you need a license to wholesale real estate?

In most states, you do not need a license to wholesale real estate, as long as you're assigning contracts correctly. However, a few states have specific rules, so check your local laws or use our free legal guide.

How do you calculate profits in real estate wholesaling?

Subtract your purchase price and repair costs from the ARV, then subtract your buyer’s desired profit. What’s left is your potential assignment fee.

How much money do you need to wholesale real estate?

In many cases, you can wholesale with little to no upfront capital—just earnest money and maybe a few dollars for marketing.

What’s the difference between wholesaling and flipping?

Wholesaling involves assigning a contract before you buy the property. Flipping means you purchase, renovate, and resell the property for a profit.

How does a real estate wholesale calculator work?

You enter the ARV, estimated repair costs, your buyer’s profit, and your fee. The calculator then tells you your Maximum Allowable Offer so you don’t overpay.

How do you find wholesale real estate deals?

You can find deals using the MLS, driving for dollars, direct mail, or online lead generation. Focus on motivated sellers and distressed properties that need to move quickly.

What contracts do you need to wholesale real estate?

You need two things: a purchase agreement with the seller and an assignment contract for your buyer. Both must be legally valid and state-compliant.

Can you wholesale real estate with no money or credit?

Yes, credit is not required, and you can often negotiate deals with minimal cash using assignable contracts. This is one reason why wholesaling is popular with beginners.

How fast can you close a wholesale deal?

Some wholesalers close in as little as 7–14 days, depending on the buyer and title company. With the right systems in place, you can move very quickly.

Final Thoughts on Wholesale Real Estate

Wholesale real estate is hands down one of the best ways to break into the investing world. You don’t need a ton of money. You don’t need perfect credit. You just need the right knowledge, tools, and strategy to find and assign great deals that help others—and pay you in the process.

We’ve covered everything from how to find motivated sellers to how to calculate your MAO using our free wholesale real estate calculator. You now have the exact blueprint to go from zero to your first wholesale deal.

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Ready to Take the Next Step in Real Estate Investing? Join our FREE live webinar and discover the proven strategies to build lasting wealth through real estate.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, we'll show you how to take action today. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the insider tips and tools that have helped thousands of investors succeed! Seats are limited—Reserve Your Spot Now!

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*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.