Wanting to buy a house without real estate agent

Hi all, so like the text says I want to buy a house from a friend before it goes on the market. I don’t see why I need a real estate agent for this transaction, and I think if I just use a real estate lawyer I would be fine. Anyone else go through this before. I am never opposed to real estate agents/ I am going through the classes to be one now, I just do not see the reason for one during this specific transaction. I am also considering keeping my current house and putting it up for rent.