Open house for a Newbie. Need some help!!

[Eric Piccione]

We found a great duplex to house hack right next to work. It is listed at market value but apparently cash flows great. My questions are:

1 It is very last minute and did not have a proper chance to let our realtor know about this. However, it has been 2 days since he responded so I do not have an agent to go with. Is going with an agent of your own a recommended thing to do?

2 Is buying at market value okay?

3 Most of the comps are taken care of since this home is a 2006 home.

4 the other two duplexes were listed 5 days ago and are already pending. How much further research is required before pulling the trigger?

5 When it comes to being prepared, what things should we bring to the open house? 

6 Should we let them know we are looking to house hack?