Typically buyers elect to have their own agent represent them.

I imagine being able to negotiate better deals, represent myself, etc, but not sure if this is worth it.Thanks, Danny

Do you have a realtor representing you? 

I think the lower costing places like North Carolina, Idaho and Texas are not so low costing anymore, but represent the freedoms people are looking for.

Commercial type portfolio or blanket loans represent a lot of risk to me. 

And if you are getting this license to solely access the MLS and to represent yourself in your future transactions, I would highly recommend the highest possible commission plan you can find out there.Secondly, No you will have to hang your license with a brokerage, and THEN you get in contact with your local association of realtors, and get your MLS access through that association.

The property was poorly marketed, in my opinion, and the owner insisted on representing herself What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Legal questions are best answered by the attorney who represented you at the eviction and at the damage hearing. 

There is a 2.8% commission for a buyer's agent built in to the listing agreement, so the seller was prepared to pay an agent to represent you, just FYI (although the seller is probably saving on not paying one with the current arrangement, and hopefully some of those savings are being passed on to you).

Some states do not allow the listing agent to also represent the buyer, as it presents a conflict of interest.Please let me know if you'd like me to connect you with an investor-friendly real estate agent in the Macon, Ga area.