By Owner of by Agent

[Jared Baker]

I figure this is as good of place as any to ask this question.  Is there any benefit or downside to buying through an agent or the owner?

I have been looking at properties on various sites and have noticed that when on craigslist I have seen more multifamily units for sale by owner than I do by agent on other websites like zillow, trulia, or the MLS, in my area.

Assuming the information the owner provides on craigslist is accurate, (and I'm doing my math right), I have seen properties that exceed the 2% rule, and is looking like 12-13%.  

So what I really want to know is what is the downside from purchasing property through the owner?