Use a realtor to buy a Short Sale?

[Jim Bartek]

Long time lurker, finally getting serious about investing in real estate as an alternative to the stock market.  

Question:  If I am looking to buy a severely damaged (flooded basement, mold, etc.) home on a short sale or right before it enters short sale, do I need a Buy-side realtor?  I've never had a good experience with a Realtor as I am a pretty smart person and have done a lot of house renovations/repairs/inspections and know contractors, etc. to do all the repair work or do it myself. 

Are there any more short-sale / wholesale /investor minded realtors that will cost less to use, just to help me manage the short sale process?

Also, if there is anyone in Indianapolis or Fort Myers I can talk to that would be helpful.

Thanks