They have two things in their favor, os you decide:1) Access to RMLS and can set alerts and2) They spend all day long looking at the RE market and talking with owners.Unless you want to pay that price, I think I'd find a good broker and make friends.In RE, making friends means:1) You have the ability/wherewithal to close deals and can prove it2) You can decide quickly3) You are somewhat loyal.  

This is commonly known in the industry as “double ending it” and is the holy grail of listing agents because they get double the money on the deal.In a tight market some people claim that a buyer can get a slight edge if s/he goes directly to the listing agent since, in a situation with multiple offers, you can imagine the listing agent might be inclined to favor offers where they get to keep both sides of the commission vs. those where they'd have to split it.However, as Mike said, the downside to that is that you lose dedicated representation for someone who's definitely on your side, looking out for your interests, etc.

However, you may be able to secure more favorable financing going the residential route. 

@Thomas Force In fact if this is rangeland your neighbor did you a favor.

I'd like to start investing in SFR's in the Indianapolis area and would appreciate you input on favorable surrounding cities, neighborhoods, and what areas I must avoid.

In addition to these potentially favorable factors, the state of California has improved J/ADU legislation to promote their development including allowing ADUs and JADUs to be built concurrently with a single-family dwelling, opening areas where ADUs can be created to include all zoning districts that allow single-family and multifamily uses, modifying fees from utilities such as special districts and water corporation and limited exemptions or reductions in impact fees.

For those who are eager enough, and willing to forgo traditional customs in favor of a virtual approach, there are deals to be had.

I haven't personally invested in NY, but I would imagine the taxes and restrictions would be in your favor more so in FL than NY.

Our land development code is still one of the dumbest and least efficient in the country and many builders give up after a number of years of brain damage in favor of doing projects on the neighboring cities.  

The initial requirements are a favorable credit score, income 3 x the rent, and the last two check stubs.