My mentor offers my first deal

[Dottie W.]

so, some people I attend church with told me last year they were investors. I shared I wanted the same , so they let me use their real estate book. Last week, they offered to wholesale to me my first deal. 

Question: do I need a real estate agent?

Facts: they have a contract with the seller, there is a tenant scheduled to move out Dec 4th, the sellers agent still has the sign in the yard and I can't see the property without proof of funds. I will be using hard money!  I need comps and other info, should I get an agent? 

Lastly, why would I ever need an agent to buy from a whole seller or anyone?