FSBO, should I get a realtor as a buyer?

[Marzieh Rostami]

So here's a little background: I have the experience of 3 real estate transactions (2 purchase and 1 sale) all of which involved my primary residence. I became interested in real estate investing about a year ago and have been educating myself on the topic and waiting around for a good deal. So far I have had no luck.

Recently However I came across an FSBO which is currently priced high but I think I have a very good chance of getting a lowball offer accepted because it has been on the market for over 150 days and it has been under contract 3 times already and all fell through. It is currently under contract again but the owner told me that this one will most likely fall apart also. I am supposed to call him back next week to see how it went.

My question is, if the current contract falls through and I get a chance to place an offer should I do so without a realtor in order to get a better deal?

I am worried that I have no experience doing this and don't even know what contract to use if I don't have a realtor. I also know that they are behind on taxes so how do things like that need to be handled?

I know it's best if I have a realtor but I really don't want to lose out on a good deal because they are so hard to find. I maybe able to get the price I want if there are no realtor fees involved. I am interested to hear your thoughts. Thanks