I work for a trade association that represents over 500 Alaskan businesses, with 30,000 employees that do support work work in the oil/gas/mining industries and our members have laid off 3000 people since late 2014 - these are the highest paying jobs in AK.

i sat in front of a panel of 7 watershed representatives last friday at a faciitliy off of of 17th street and i put up a heck of a fight with my inconsistent bills and such a large water bill for a house that was empty for part of the time the bills were over $1500 a month, and they denied my request to reduce my bill by any substantial amount, they took off about $600.  

I can't tell you how many times in RE agent continuing education we are reminded that WE ARE NOT LAWYERS - cracks me up every time, but it's true.If your uncle is a good Realtor, pick his brain or ask him if he can represent you.  

They are also represented at our local DeREIA meetings.  

 #1 Multifamily of the door size that I think you are looking for are not represented by agents, but commercial broker specialists in an asset type and area.  

If you and the broker are on the same page as far as what you're looking to acquire, then you'll not only be able to see the listings that the broker represents, but that of his company, and ones on the market that he or she comes across as well.

Just think, if there is a problem who is the agent really going to represent.  

In NY, a buyer or seller must be represented by a lawyer for any RE transaction. 

I do not think it is critical that it be you to stop by, but it helps to have feet on the street representing your interests.  

My buyers agent represents a renter who has just been informed that the owner is going into foreclosure.