Call Homeowner directly vs working through listing agent

[Account Closed]

There is a single family home listed on the MLS that is a great candidate for seller financing. The homeowners are absentee owners who purchased the home for 33k in 1995.

My question is: What route should I take to work a deal

1. Call homeowner directly

2. Work with the listing agent directly (therefore making her a buyers agent as well)

3. Hire a buyers agent

My first choice would be to call the homeowner directly so I can have the best and most efficient conversation. Speaking directly with the homeowner affords me the opportunity to learn why they are selling, what they will do with the money, if the need it all now..etc.