Violette,
I just want to caution you. Given the economic climate there are many opportunities to pay for information you can otherwise get for free. Some of the information is good and some of it is useless, old or just plain wrong. I know it sounds self serving, but using a buyers agent will not cost you a dime. Find one you trust and sit down with them. Have all your questions answered and access the wealth of free information they can give you. The more you try to do alone, the greater your risk of stepping on a land mine.
Good luck,
Rob - Yesterday, 13:09