I had to pay the commissions and the 1031 escrow fees but I was able to take the capital gain from the sale of one property and roll it into 6 replacement properties.

OREC Oklahoma Real Estate Commission. https://www.ok.gov/OREC

You can buy for this, list for that....if you do not wish to personally take the listing you can legally split commission with someone who will.You will have access to better tools, information and resources.

Would you recommend if I did that at least activating my license so I could search for deals and buy / sell properties without paying a commission?

From my limited research I see that it is an online real estate brokerage with zero monthly costs, and an 85/15 commission split. 

(she called, text, and emailed him. she even contacted his office and they said he's not available) I honestly think it's because he wants to keep the full commission instead of splitting 6% with my realtor.

You can always find another realtor who will happily make an offer for you, and that realtor will be the one to pick up the commission. 

You might want to check with the seller to see if they would pay a buyers commission as you might get stuck eating it if you get your agent involved. 

Putting your money in gold bars that you hide under your bed and pay huge commissions for?

James Woodrich is there a way you can make payments on the realtors commission rather than on lump sum in the beginning?