You can also look on Zillow, it will show the number of transactions for the agents for that area. You can then search (I use Redfin) for the buyer's agent on the sold properties. You can also immediately go to some open houses, many agents at the open are new, working them to get new clients, but many are top local buyers agents also. Talk to these agents, who seems knowledgeable about RE, and your specific area and who can you work with during a very stressful time.

In my area, I prefer going directly to the listing agent, ding this I can get more information about the seller and more first hand information. I also know the listing agent wants to get both sides, working hard to make my offer work. I know this is not doable in others areas, but it has consistently worked for me to get the house I want.

In a hot market I have also bought by going directly to the listing agent. It removes one of the middlemen and makes communication faster. I don't expect any agent to look out for my interests so I use a lawyer to review contracts.

You should start looking for inspectors so you have one lined up to do a quick inspection when you do find a property. You don't always want to use the ones recommended by the realtor.

In the area I live in I would be OK going straight to the listing agent since I know the area. My main concern is buying in an area that I am not familiar with except generally that listing agent may not tell me stuff that is negative about the specific area or the house. I would do it if I had to (couldn't find someone else) but not my first preference. I will check the listings on Zillow to get an idea of who is active.

I understand your concern but also feel you will do better in the hot market you describe, the listing agent will want you to get the house. The negatives about the house will be evident in the seller's disclosure or the inspection report. I bought in a new area, but did get to know the area myself, I'm also closer to it so that helped me. I can't say your own buyers agent would know or disclose negatives about a specific area, that varies from person to person.

As a buyer, I don't expect any agent, whose paycheck ultimately comes from the sellers, to represent my interests. Telling someone to believe that would be the worst advice.

If you have sold and bought before, going directly to a listing agent will work just fine. Get a lawyer and your own inspector to protect your own interests.

If you don't feel comfortable with that then get your own realtor too. There isn't a wrong or right way, it depends on the individual.

If you sign a buyer’s agency contract, that agent works for you, not the seller. In any case, if you have the opportunity to go to open houses, do so. Often the agent there is not the listing agent but is in the same company and is a good way to meet agents. Managing brokers can also connect you to buyer’s agents. If you are in a state where attorneys do the closings rather than title companies (such as Massachusetts or Connecticut), an attorney will be reviewing your contract anyway and representing you.