Buying my first property I'm NY. Do I need a buyers agent?

[Rashad Ellis]

I'm in the initial stages of purchasing a multifamily property. I've been preapproved for a mortgage and I'm looking at properties that I find on Realtlor.com, Redfin, and Trulia. I contacted a Realtor and told him what I'm looking for. He claimed for my price range in Brooklyn there isnt much out there. He mentioned one property to me (exclusive listing i suppose) that wasnt what I was looking for. I told him that I do see listings that fit my criteria in certain areas that need TLC. We agreed that I would send him anything that I was interested in and he could look into it. I sent him a listing i was interested in so he could get me a showing. He forwarded me a text from the listing agent saying that hes only showing to those can give a solid offer. So he suggested I submit an offer just to get in to see the property. The disclosure has him (my contact) as one of the seller's agents. I then asked him if he would represent me(which I ignorantly though I implied when I contacted him) . He said "that would be to the sellers advantage but I'd have to pay him the 2% commission" . I don't understand that.

Now my question is, do I still go forward AND would I better off with a buyers agent ?