Do you use a "buyers broker" for multifamily?

[Mike Pederson]

When buying Multifamily (apartment building 12+ units) is it typical to use a "buyers broker" for representation or to deal directly with the seller's broker?

[Todd Dexheimer]

Originally posted by @Mike Pederson:

Thanks Marc.  So unlike on the residential side where the buyers agent is compensated from a commission split with the selling broker, a buyers broker gets paid by the buyer in a multifamily transaction?  @Marc Middleton

 Most of the advice so far has been from residential agents. As an apartment buyer and commercial agent I will provide my opinion. Having a buyers broker can be an asset and can hurt you as well. In the commercial world there are a lot of brokers that will not take you seriously or give you a fair shake if you use a separate broker to represent you. 

In my opinion it would be wise to make relationships with as many of the commercial agents as possible. To get the off-market deal, you will need to be connected with the broker and have a relationship built.

Personally, I utilize both. I build relationships with several brokers and hone those. I also build a relationship with a buyer's broker and let him/her know that other listing agents that I am dealing directly with, so that they know not to send me their deals.