Go to a few board meetings and talk to the representing lawyers who are there with clients to find a good one, AND check the last few meetings minutes and find the lawyer that was most successful. 

You just need to consistently market to property owners and possibly get connected with a buyer's agent that represent buyers who purchase foreclosures.

To avoid being a bridesmaid buyer, representing yourself might not be the best idea.

Next do a search in the probate records for the deceased and it should show you the PR's (Personal Representative) name and address.

If the property is in your own name, then you can represent yourself without an attorney.

Since I'm not paying the 6%, the seller is, should I work with a local broker to represent me?

Yes this can be done, but there is no way I or someone I represent would be involved in this type of transaction.  

I am trying find a property that represents a good deal, specially because this is my first investment, so will def be analyzing them that way. 

Those agents only represent their own companies.  

I am currently a sophomore at Arkansas State University going for a bachelors in Finance while holding a part time job as a Customer Service Representative / Teller at a Bank.