@Dimitri Paspalaris I have read about doing both strategies. On one hand if you work directly with the listing agent, you could entice that agent to convince the seller more to take your offer since they will be earning double commission. On the other hand there are so many agents who are hard to get a hold of or just never reply. It's very odd but that's how it is. If it's your first investment maybe it's best to go with a buyer's agent. It does not cost you any money and your agent will be working solely for you, where the listing agent will be working for both and won't have loyalty to get you the best deal possible or to tell you when the property just isn't a good one or the area isn't good. When I first started my agent told me when a deal just was not good instead of letting me invest in something I'd regret later. I see you're from out of state so having someone you trust is key. I became licensed last month and would be happy to help if you decide to go that route. I wrote this article a few months ago and it was featured on BP, here is the link in case you're interested: https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/11360/83794-how-we-purchased-our-first-3-rental-properties-out-of-state-in-1-year
