A wholesaler in real estate is an intermediary who facilitates the buying and selling of properties without actually owning them. Wholesalers typically identify potential investment properties, negotiate a purchase price with the seller, and then assign the contract to a buyer (often an investor) for a fee. This allows the wholesaler to profit from the transaction without having to take on the financial responsibility of purchasing and rehabilitating the property. In essence, wholesalers serve as matchmakers between motivated sellers and investors looking for opportunities in the real estate market.