Can I advertise to find a property while working with Realtor?

[Benjamin Sherwyn]

My partner and I are finally in a good position to buy our first duplex house hack. We were recommended a buying agent who has been hunting around for us, but he is also a seller's agent and is actively buying and rehabbing homes that are similar to what we're looking for.  The properties he's found for us so far have seemed to be turn-key properties on the high retail end of the price-range.  I have a carpentry background and tools, and we're not afraid of putting in sweat equity.  This is my first time taking the plunge after many months of reading books and listening to podcasts (thanks BiggerPockets!).  

My question is: I'd like to see if I can find a property before it hits the market... Fliers at the local co-op, online ads, letters, etc. We are not in any contract with our buying agent, but I am also not trying to screw him over or anything. I just know I can be pretty resourceful and tend to be good at digging/networking. Also, I'm not sure if he would direct his best finds to other friends or investors and recommend more finished flips to us. We are open to considering his suggestions (we just made an offer on one yesterday and lost it to a cash buyer), but is it bad for me to also post ads solo and buy an FSBO with an attorney if it comes up first?

Thanks for your help and advice!

Ben S.

[Stephanie Simmons]

Yes you can unless you signed an agreement with the agent that would prevent you from doing so.  With that said - if you have a location/special niche; most agents will do a direct mail campaign for you.