Buying property in HK - experience?

[fly]

Hi all,
Just wondering if there is any (single?) collection of resources I could go through to find out answers to some questions I have got, and some I may not have thought of yet wrt purchasing 1st or 2nd market property in HK? I've browsed gohome.com but have still got some questions hopefully some of you can help answer:

1) I have been viewing some (2nd market) properties with an agent for a few weeks now, and in my previous experience, the agent would have me sign some form stating the commission, the list of properties viewed, etc. However with the current agent, there is only an excel-type list (not like the "contract" previously) and nothing to sign each week. Is this common, and does this pose any danger for the agent or myself?
2) Can I engage 2 agents to approach the same property/seller and choose to go with the lowest price? Presumably the reduction will come from their commission, and the seller won't be under the impression his property is so hot suddenly and there is a price war going on!
3) Are the costs of sale (stamp duty, commission, etc.) paid for by the buyer exclusively, or is it common to split these 50/50 with the seller?
4) Aside from ethical, are there any obstacles preventing a buyer from approaching the seller (of a previously shown property) directly and closing the sale privately? Assuming it is possible to trace down the owner of course.

Any input from folks who have gone this route before would be appreciated, thanks in advance!

[fly]

anyone bought property here?