Benefits of using a real estate agent to purchase land for new construction home/building?

[Jeff Kushner]

My fellow BPers…

QUESTION: What are the benefits of using a real estate agent to secure the purchase of a piece of land with no existing structures?

I am looking to build a steel building/garage/workshop in south Florida. I found a piece of property through Realtor.com (listed on the MLS) in a very specific location in south Florida that I am interested in. I've done basic research (county appraiser website) and comps (as available on Realtor.com 'recently sold' search feature) and would like to contact the owner/broker for additional information on the property.

It seems that a lot of people on this site speak directly with owners of properties in their search for deals, but I'm curious if that is just because the properties aren't listed on the MLS or because of the level of knowledge/experience of the people on this site.

I have never purchased real estate before so have no personal experience with agents and the benefit of working with one, especially if I have already located the property of interest myself.  Should I contact an agent referred to me by a friend who is active in the area or just go ahead and contact the broker directly that is listed on Realtor.com?  What assistance/benefit should I expect from a real estate agent in the circumstance I've described?  What reasons, if any, should I not contact the owner/broker directly for more information on the property?

Any and all thoughts/opinions on this matter would be greatly appreciated!

Jeff