access to MLS

[Account Closed]

How crucial is this?  Put differently, is the information really that much different than the public info?  I can see most sales history if I look at both Trulia and Zillow (they are both spotty, but usually list enough different properties to give me an idea of sales data).  Is it illegal or unethical to approach realtors I don't know well and ask?  How does one go about doing that without it sounding like a bribe or drug deal?  I hinted to my realtor and got the run around about how he pays tens of thousands of dollars in overhead for the privilege of being a realtor.  I thought about just taking the test, but I have no interest in having to pay brokerage fees etc.  Any advice?  Thanks