I know that in our office, we have a team of agents who only list and manage REO homes and represent only the sellers or the bank. Buyers, therefore, have to contact a different agent in the company to represent them in the showing, offering, contract writing, ect.

As a general rule, as a Buyer, your interests will be best served if you have an Agent that is working for YOU! The listing agent has a fiduciary responsibility to the SELLER.
Your intersts can be best served by contacting a Realtor other than the Lister.
John Wirsing
Cell (440) 487-2193
Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland http://www.CallRealtorJohn.com

You really need an experienced agent. Foreclosures are different in several ways, complicated, and emotional. It stands to reason that an agent who has a positive reputation with the REO people will get the job done better, and easier for you.

You can contact ANY local real estate professional to see the home. You don't need to rely on the Listing Agent to see it. I'd suggest that you enlist ONE agent to aid in your search, and use that same agent throughout your process... Kind of like a "One Stop Shop!"

Good luck!!

Art Hotes ~ RE/MAX Classic
Serving Northeastern Ohio