Buying from owner with a realtor

[Gopal Venu]

I’m in the first steps of trying to buy first home. I have only been given a preapproval but not yet a realtor. I found the only one in my price range that hits 9/10 needs and wants. The only issue is it’s “For sale buy owner.”

A friend of mine told me not even to mention the house to potential realtors because they may try to get me to walk away from it without trying negotiate on my behalf. He mentioned it is more advantageous for realtors to deal with each (the idea being my realtor would likely know other realtors and want to push me to their listings. Plus they don’t want to waste any time on homes that are being sold by current owner.)

What’s the scoop with using a realtor to buy a privately sold home? Thanks

PS-being new to home buying I do not want to contact the seller unrepresented and am willing to walk away more than go in without a realtor. At least for my first home purchase.