I am also looking to buy a house (currently renting). My tip, when you find a listing you like, Google the address and switch to satellite or aerial view. You get to see what the neighborhood looks like. The listing is not going to tell you if the house backs up to a junkyard or the sewage treatment plant, but the satellite doesn't lie!! Some places you can even do Street View and it is like you are driving up and down the street. I can't tell you how many I have looked at that looked great, until I did that and find they back right up to the interstate!! Not interested in road noise 24/7!!
My other theory (and I may be wrong about this) is, when I see a listing I like, I contact the listing agent and work with them. I figure, if they know they don't have to split the commission with a buyer's agent, they will be more inclined to persuade the seller that mine is a good offer.