I am an agent not a broker. If you really want to drive a hard bargain get your own license. Not that some agents won’t do it. But you can really work your parameters better for yourself if you have the time. It will be interesting to see if full time agents or brokers would knowingly split working with another agent. I would not. They might take the gamble in this slow market. Time is on your side as far as buying goes so you do have time to get a license if you have the inclination. It would cost you about $1500 including licensing and first year of dues. It cost me about $1000 a year to keep active. It would be about as difficult as taking a couple of Junior College elective classes. It was kind of fun. That is basically the way I got started. I found an independent broker who only takes 10% off of my commissions on properties for myself 20% for my clients. I have been to his office about 5 times in 8 years. We just use the phone, fax and computer to work together.
Good luck