There is no savings by dealing with the seller's agent.That's the long answer.The short answer is YES, you should use a buyer's agent. 

That is most of the savings that I have, which makes me tentative, but I am happy with the cash-flow.

We are planning on borrowing money from our retirement to make a cash offer. 

He may have been jilted by a “bad” contractor in the past and has thus concluded that all contractors have the same traits.I’m now a retired GC with over 40 years in the trenches building and remodeling homes and buildings.

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Anything that's on the MLS is fair game, and if she can work out a deal for herself because she's saving the agent costs good for her.

I'm currently in the military and looking to invest into a multi-family unit using my Thift Saving Plan as maybe a downpayment to get start.

So need to save up all over again before we could buy another investment property while we pay $1700/month towards paying off someone else’s investment property mortgage. :) Any recommendation for us newbies?

One on hand you want to reach financial independence/retire and/or be able to pay for your son to go to college; on the other, you want to enjoy life and give your family what they want.

I've had good luck with First National Bank and Machias Savings Bank.