Ive had mixed results with realtors, but mostly good. A good one is worth their fee. They also often know more about the market, and if working for you (buyers agent) instead of the seller, can often know questions to ask or things to look for that you may not.
I have no problem having a title company handle closing, i dont recall the costs, but its cheaper than having lawyers do it if I recall correctly, and it gives clear title thats not going to be disputed. Its been quick, simple and painless for the most part, doing a closing with good title company.
Ive started thinking about vacant land again, the stuff about Arizona land has my attention. I didnt think Id ever be able to build again, but health improvements over time may allow it, at least to supervise. When I was building stuff to sell, I always had problems with sub-contractors doing stupid stuff when i wasnt there that never would have happened if I had been there. They would probably hate me by the time it was done, but I dont care. Im very particular (I used to tell my hired guy "perfect is good enough, but just barely"), I dislike so much of the sloppy work done on most construction sites. Building stuff isnt rocket surgery, get some basic background, by youtube or whatever, and you can build a better small cabin than the portable or pre-fab sheds for less or similar money.
