Can someone answer some questions on foreclosure purchases?(Details follow)

Hi…I am hoping someone can give me some information on house foreclosure purchases.

1. When browsing basic realty sites (Realtor.com, Trulia, etc) you can see only aerial shots of properties, not the foreclosed house itself. You are asked to subscribe to a paid service and that allows you to see the house. I am sure there is another way to get access to these properties besides having to purchase a subscription to some service. Does anyone know? Do realtors have access to foreclosed properties?

2. When a property is listed on a site like Realtor.com and it is listed by a realtor and says “bank-owned” is there leeway with the price? Is there a percentage below the listed price that is considered appropriate to offer? Is it more difficult to negotiate when a bank owns the property?

3. How do you find an agent that will represent your purchasing interests and not that of the seller? Let me explain. I wanted information on a few properties in one city I was considering. I called a Realty office and asked about four of the listed properties they had. The man gave me the information. Then I said, “Oh…and there were two other houses that I would be interested in…but one is listed by X and the other by Y…could you give me info on those as well?” He said, “Oh…yes, I know the properties you mean….they have been sold.” I took him for his word. I checked recently (about six months after my initial enquiry) and they are still listed and on the market. I realize he wanted to sell his own listings, but isn’t an agent supposed to find you a house that you really want? That’s how it used to be and how it was when I bought houses before. Do I need to get a “buyer’s agent” and what does that actually mean? Do they work on a commission basis…or?

I realize that I may be asking really basic questions…but I just need some clarification.

Thank you so much!