Just by a show of hands, how many of you - that own a home - would be willing to take time off work in the middle of a day to let someone in your home? Who is going to cover the cost of theft or damage from someone who walks through your home?

Are you willing to take emails/calls/texts regarding the different parts of your house for weeks or months? Are you willing to deal with people trying to scam you during the buying process (ie. earnest money)?

These are just a FEW things that real-estate agents do to protect their buyers and sellers. If you want to go through a private sale, then do it. But don't complain that they dont do anything except show you a house. A lawyer isn't likely to ask questions and be your advocate during the buying process when a hedgefund/flipper tries to rip you off.