Most agents here in CA are now charging 2.5% to the seller and offering 2.5% to the buyers agent.

They also charged just under 250 for landscaping, even though there is no grass to be cut. 

Do any of them charge a fee or are they free?

They’ll make at least six percent of the total fees, maybe more if they find the initial seller and the ultimate buyer.

Locals charge 40% in my market.

Don't let the negatives of the initial cost of that be a disadvantage.

If so then you will not receive your funds until then so your accountant could treat the initial sale as an installment sale with no receipts and have all of the receipts come in 2019 which means that your gain won't be recognized until 2019 so you won't pay tax until April of 2020.  

I was highest bidder on auction at hubzu at 131 and they charge 5% auction house fee (6.5k)but i didn’t the reserve. they decieded to review and consider my bid and will let me know in 10 business days.

Their former landlord was family and didn't charge them anywhere near market rate, as you pointed out.

The house was listed on mls for 139k went to auction and i won auction at 131k but auction house charges 5% (6.5k) but didnt meet the reserve price.