Can I ask the seller of my Duplex if I can buy it?

Question

So I dont know if you read my past questions. I have considered in buying my duplex and so far the real estate agent gave me a number to a lender. Basically she told me I missed the VA Loan by five points which I find total bull because I get my credit report from all 3 bureaus and it averaged more than what she stated I needed. The route I took was with USAA's movers advantage program where they assign you a real estate agent and they pay you for using the agent they asign you * i told my "consultant i hated mine and she asked if i wanted to change so i am able to change* Since that fell through, I talked with my dad about it and he said I should just talk to the seller and i remember the agent saying i shouldnt talk to the seller. he gave his valid reasons why, but my dad also gave me valid reason why i should. Is this a good idea to talk to the seller, she is our landlord. From what I understand the real estate agent is just another middle man with their hands held out for money.

Answer 1

Get a Buyers Agent to deal for you.

Answer 2

Sounds like you'd be cutting into her commission. She probably wants you to buy both units right?

Answer 3

If you really want to buy it and the real estate agent is saying you don't qualify, why not just ask the seller what it would take so you could qualify?  Maybe the seller could take less down, or do a partial contract or ???????  Just remember, sometimes, if you have expressed interest prior, the real estate agent will be entitled to their comission if you go around them within so many months to buy the duplex.  Could be a sticky wicket.

Answer 4

talk to the seller.  it can't hurt.  but, you should get an agent if the seller is okay with the sell.  Get one agent to handle the whole thing, ask them up front to take a lesser commission (usually a total of 6%, you could get them to consider 4%)

Give it a shot.  Worse case, you hear the word no.  

Be sure you know what it means to be a landlord, since it is a duplex.