Assuming the listing agent can represent both you and the seller, they would still come out ahead. 

The mortgage broker is part of your team and represents you, not the lender.  

I represented myself and 30 days later I moved out of my sister’s condo and into my first home, but this was just the beginning of the journey!

I am an agent so I represented myself in the negations.

If your goals include listing homes for sale or representing buyers who are buying homes then getting your real estate license is a no brainer.

After the purchase a realtor representing the developer sent a letter asking to purchase our back acre.

Call the DRE, speak to a representative, and asked to be added to the list for the next available test date.

How ever your friend is right when he says you should learn how to market distressed sellers and have a solid network of cash buyers who can close quick.If your state allows dual agency you can’t represent both buyer and seller and just do your regular job as an agent.

If the agent is the listing agent for that fixer they just need to disclose to both parties that they representing both of you.

@David Campbell  When I was selling residential RE (and I'm not anymore), I came across RF as buyer's agents when I was representing sellers.