Most land flippers know how to evaluate the option for seller financing, but are you asking because you like the strategy or because you don't have money to buy land? 

Is there anything wrong with making this deal now without the realtors saving the money on their commissions?  

Never buy a property without putting your eyes on it, if you are spending htat much money get on a plane or in the car and view the property yourself.

My first year was filled with attending classes (I'm with Keller Williams, and they provide awesome free training to their agents), talking to people (in grocery stores, family, online chat rooms, etc), and listening to Bigger Pockets podcasts as I drove (alone) or walked my dog.Literally in year 3, I started getting repeat clients. 

A lot of money and risk. 

I could raise money and bring in partners, but I'd prefer to own 100% of both the business and the real estate.

Use cheaper future dollars.But one of my personal rules- It's your money, your right, even if you're wrong. 

Today, it depends on what you plan to do with the money.  

Ask or go on line for property taxes3.  

The pros: - not having to do a major renovation from out of state- easier to get a conventional loan since the house is livable vs. a distressed property (would need to pay cash, do a hard money loan, some other type of financing)- can get a tenant in quicklyThe cons: - you don't know how good the renovation is, could be cosmetic without addressing underlying safety issues (plumbing, electrical, foundation, etc). - a home can pass an inspection but once someone is living in it and putting daily stress on the house (turning faucets on, light switches, turning on heat/AC etc), things can start to malfunction.