Attorneys will just get in the way. A realtor may help a little, but for a friendly deal, the escrow agent is key.

I did a “no realtor” deal once and the escrow agent made it possible. The escrow agent is the one who makes things happen, moves things along. They know what papers need signing, when they need signing, and how to get the deal closed. A good loan agent helps, also, and if escrow guy and loan guy work together, it’ll happen without much trouble. Expect to do some running around, though.

Get recommendations on title agent, inspector, termite inspector, escrow agent, mortgage broker and you’ll be in decent shape.