Do their services really vary much?

@Elizabeth WinterThe student loans can vary.

Mine was to find a good investment and the agent's was to get a good commission.Like everything, it varies from person to person and I can't project that view on to every agent.Also, I'm not talking about not using an agent in every circumstance, rather the specific circumstance when there aren't really any properties listed for sale on the MLS.

Consider 2 situations: 1) You enter an LLC with a partner for 3 years for some predetermined payment system on a monthly basis and something goes wrong and you can't continue to deliver after 2 years2) You enter an agreement with your LLC and multiple partners whereby the terms differ which allows you to perform over the course of the 3 years and you pay the varying lenders off to a schedule fitting their particular needs with agreements fitting their needs. 

@Richard AudetIt varies depending on the lender and product.

I thought it varies between States/localities and Sheriff sales are different from online auctions. 

The remediation cost varies quite a bit depending on the extent.  

I'm sure it varies depending on the project. 

Lots of it will vary by area, but I certainly any information can be helpful in general.  

This is just my opinion; your mileage may vary: I would rather not miss out on opportunities because of a fear of a downturn.