what is a reasonable RE commission discount and how to approach

[Patrick Boutin]

I keep reading these posts where people recommend that one requests RE agents to offer a commission discount..

How much would you recommend would be reasonable without insulting an agent? From a newbie's perspective, wouldn't agents be reluctant to do so specially for a newbie who may need more handholding from the agent?

For example a newbie may need to look at numerous properties and do walkthrough (before being really ready to pull the trigger) while learning to analyze the numbers in order to know whether or not there is a deal.

What would you recommend to be appropriate and how can this be approached?

Thanks for your help!