Realtors, MLS, Foreclosures

[Ryan Stumbo]

So I'm currently reading tons of info including investment books, BiggerPockets books including BRRRR book, asking questions to experienced friends, etc. One thing I have become curious on.

I started realizing through some friends that foreclosures were usually where you can get good deals. In order to see pre-foreclosures you need to have access to MLS. In order to do this, you need a realtor correct? If so, if my plan is BRRRR and all cash buys, how does a realtor come into play? I assume they aren't going to just look through the MLS for you without any benefit to them. So how do most of you get access to the MLS without a realtor or do most of you use a realtor for purchases?

Also, what if someone has a property listed by realtor and I don’t have a realtor but I really want the property? I assume since they’ve already listed with said realtor they can’t just back out of the deal with the realtor and accept my cash as-is offer. And from my experience you never even talk to the seller directly, all your communication is always through the realtor. So are realtor listed properties avoided or do you guys just bite the bullet and pay the realtor fees?

Thanks guys