Working with a Real Estate Agent

[Jeremy M.]

I'm currently building a local team for investing in small multi-family properties. I've heard it's invaluable to find a good real estate agent to help find deals etc. However, I'll also be doing my own research - driving for dollars, direct mailers etc. If I find a deal on my own and want to save a seller a 3% commission on a transaction, is that ethically wrong not to include my real estate agent?

I've spoken with some people who approach seller agents this way and use the seller agent to buy so they can give the seller a better deal and have the best shot at getting the property.

Thanks in advance for any advice.