Representing myself as a first time home buyer?

[Francis Choi]

I am a first time home buyer, and I am on track on obtaining my RE agent license by end of this year. I am planning to purchase a home in the suburbs in the first half of 2024, and to represent myself on the first purchase.

The instructor for the real estate class recommended me to refer my first deal instead of working it myself, but I am hesitant to do so because I would have to give away 80% to 90% of the commission. Another option is to work with a mentor, where I have to give up 20-30% of the commission, but I am not sure what value can a mentor bring considering I have been studying the market that I want to buy for past year and have a good grasp on the type of property that I am looking for.

I have spent hundreds of hours so far in real estate education & investing and am fairly confident that I can handle the transaction myself. But I wanted to hear from experienced member in this forum about the risks of representing myself in the first transaction, as well as any advise. Thank you so much!

Also I'm an Army veteran and planning to use VA loan for the first house as well if that helps.