I hear what you are saying and agree it applies to most people. Single people have an advantage in bargain hunting on a primary residence because there is only one set of emotions to deal with. As I have said before it helps if you are willing to use to your advantage, offering on what what other people don’t want. Yes it is more or less a side job that someone needs to be glad to take upon themselves. Sounds like AN and Critter would do that, at least to a degree.
Depending on what kind of “bargain” someone is looking for as much time can be spent in building and zoning as looking at properties.If you want a fixer or something with add on potential it requires feasability studies and investigations of many “red flag” issues. This takes time during normal working hours.
In any case it is currently very reasonable to offer at least 10% less than comps for most houses that have a reasonably accurate list price, without doing anything else unusual with regards to shopping, except perhaps being a little more patient.