I'd recommend connecting with a local real estate agent to represent you. The seller is going to cover their commission, almost always- unless it's a For Sale By Owner, then that will require negotiating.
Other options of "finding" a property will likely require more money out of your own pocket. Anyone who says "I can help" without signing a buyer agency agreement, I'd get extreme clarity on what their fees are going to be and what exactly they are going to do to "help" you, as they aren't legally representing you.
*One problem you may find here is a buyer agent willing to spend time showing properties in this price range. If they're receiving a 3% commission, that's $900 on a $30k property. You may HAVE to go directly to the listing agent. Now, that's not entirely a bad thing, though it is less ideal. In that case, the listing agent will be representing the seller. You could ask that they sign a dual agency agreement- designated or not. This will either allow that agent to have another broker in their firm represent you through the transaction- or it will make the listing agent represent both of you by "stepping back" and acting more as a referee than a coach. They still must reveal all legally required information/disclosures. They can't advise you what to do with that information or what information to seek further however.
You'll want a home inspection and that will reveal other items that you may want to spend more money to investigate.
Zillow information is often incorrect. When you see "Sold" properties on Zillow at lower prices, you may not be getting the full picture. Also, check the sold date.
The real estate market isn't "shady." Homes often get listed at "Let's just try" prices and eventually sell for "market value."
By your post, I understand you have $30k saved? Would you qualify for a loan so that you can expand your options beyond what is listed for $30k?
I do wish you luck. Finding something in that price range would be nearly impossible in my local market. At the time of this post, there are only 45 properties on the Carolina MLS (stretching from Asheville to Fayetteville) priced $0-30,000. There are only 171 up to $50,000. There are only 5 listed within my service area. The only one I would guess is inhabitable is Under Contract.
Please do refer back and ask us questions if you have any about the buying process or possible options that might expand your search.
They aren't on the MLS, because they get sold quickly. As I said to the person below. I know of 4 that have sold this past alone. I see you're from Asheville. Property values are different there. I have to disagree with you, and say the real estate business is SHADY, because I watch there properties get sold at or below the price I'm offering. It's clear that these listing agents have bias and are selling these properties to specific people that they have business relationships with. That's the only thing that makes sense. They are completely disinterested in giving information about the properties won't take offers, but sell them for less than what I said I would offer. This isn't an isolated issue either.
