Represent myself in my first ever transaction. Is this realistic?

[Eric Wood]

Hi everyone! I have been interested in real estate investing for a long time and finally reached a point personally and financially where I feel like I'm ready to start. I recently passed my state (IN) and national REA licensing exams, but haven't yet hung my license. 

In the next ~3 months, my goal is to acquire my first rental property. Once my partner and I both graduate from school next May, I'll also be purchasing a property to house hack. I'm planning on mainly using my license to represent myself in transactions to save myself money via commission, while helping out some friends and family with a few transactions as well. I know that there brokerages out there who work with investor agents and have no problem with this type of arrangement, but I still feel a bit nervous. 

I've learned a lot during the pre-licensing course that I took, but I know that there is a lot of learning on the job that takes place as an agent. Is it realistic that I can find a brokerage to hang my license with that will be hands-off enough to let me "do my own thing", but will still provide training and enough support to make me comfortable representing myself for my first few transactions? My other plan of action would be to leave my license unassigned and work with a more experienced realtor for my first few deals until I feel more confident. Am I overthinking this? Is it worth giving up 3% on my first few deals to learn from someone else? Any advice is appreciated! 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Eric Wood:

"A man who represents himself has a fool for a client." Abe Lincoln

Abe was talking about a man in court, but the same could be true for a man with zero experience that chooses to represent himself in a sales transaction. You may be emotionally involved and make unwise choices. As a new licensee, you have little knowledge of the market, contract law, real estate law, negotiation, or any of the other skills a REALTOR brings to the table. Finally, the commission for a Buyer's Agent is paid by the Seller, so you aren't really saving anything by representing yourself.

Until you gain some experience, I think it's wise to use a professional.