If you find yourself in situation where you need to sell your house fast, and you call a wholesaler, there are few steps you can take to protect yourself. Ask for a decent earnest money deposit. Most wholesalers are going to try to get the property under contract for $10 or less, so in the event that they can not find a cash buyer, then the most they are out is $10. I would ask for $1000 earnest money deposit. If it is good deal for them, then why wouldn't they put up at least that much.