A good one (if your are lucky) will be able to help you out quite a bit, but you would be better off learning about the process yourself since you are the one taking the risk. Depending upon how much you are risking, it might be good to meet with an attorney as well.

As a former real estate agent, I can tell you that in my state, a real estate agent isn't licenced to handle financing. He/she also cannot draft the buy/sell agreement either. All he can do is help you find a property then fill in the blanks on the form that includes your offer to buy it. The financing part is the job of a loan officer who represents the lender. The Real Estate agent, however, might make some recommendations on who you could contact about the fincancing, but even that may have limitations now. I know, that in Illinois, if asked, he must recommend at least three attorneys, not just one. And yes, you would always want an attorney to look over your documents for the buy/sell agreement with the sellers and also the financing/mortage documents with the lender, and also to be present at the closing. There are two separate transacations that involve three different professionals: the Real Estate agent, the Loan Officer and your attorney, who is being hired by you, to represent your best interests in the whole transaction. You definitely want an attorney if you are not one yourself. I only know this because my husband is a Real Estate Broker, and formerly a loan officer. I was a R.E. Sales agent, and my daughter is a real estate attorney.