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OK, here is my take on things since I worked as a real estate agent and my wife currently is one.
First off, the majority of real estate agents are fucktards. Very few are full time, professional agents and most are lazy, under-educated, or have been in the business so long that they think they know everything, even though things have changed..
With that said, If the agent brought you to the property, then the seller can wind up owing them a commision even if they cancel the contract (or let it expire) and then sell it to you. Not all brokerages will come after the money, but some will (I know I would!)
Going around the agent is not generally a good idea. They are (if doing their job properly) a massive tool for locating properties, skilled negotiators, and good coordinators for the sales process. Trust me, real estate deals do not always go smoothly!
So my advice is not to worry about going around the agents to save money. The sellers are paying that fee. The big thing you need to do is find a competent real estate agent that you trust and get along with to work as a representative for you, and work exclusively through them. That will make you more money in the long run than you can save by going around behind their backs...
And if anyone buying real estate in the Seattle area, you better talk to me so I can forward you on to my wife...
Edit... I wouldn't suggest getting your real estate license unless you plan on going on to the biz. Main reason is that you have to follow rules about disclosing that you are a licensed agent and such when you are buying and selling, and that sometimes makes people gun shy.
Of course you could always just lie through your teeth and be one of those guys...
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