...commission to buyer's agent be good enough? I realize that agents do not like showing houses that do not have a seller's agent because they end up doing more work than usual, so will a 3.5% buyer's agent commission suffice? Would you be likely to show the house, or to pass it up?

it's a buyers market...so try whatever floats your boat...

Yes, the 3.5% should be sufficient. I would show the house. The norm is ususlly around 3%. (in Houston, Texas)