Also a FTHB so I'm not sure this is the "right" order. Actually, I'm almost certain it wasn't "right," but it just goes to show that there are probably several ways to get to the same point.

1) Started visiting open houses on weekends on my own. Talked to agents there about the home buying process. Almost all tried to get me to work with them. This gave me a lot of information about homes in my area and ~15 business cards for agents.
2) Found a house I really liked all by myself via Redfin.
3) Read online that I'd probably need a Pre Approval letter and and agent to get through the door for a tour. 4) Called a bank and got the Pre Approval letter. They also had an agent they recommended. I decided to go with that agent out of convenience (He ended up being terrible. Luckily he quit the industry and I was assigned an awesome and dedicated new agent).
5) Looked at that one house. It wasn't great. Met with the agent and told him my criteria and he made me a portal in the MLS for homes that met that. The first agent sent me EVERYTHING hoping something would stick, even if it didn't meet my criteria AT ALL. The second guy only sends if it meets criteria. He also showed me what the disclosures form for my state and the offer letter looks like ahead of time so you know what you're signing when it comes up and exactly what your options are when you're offering.
6) If I find a house I like, we go see it. If I really like it, we put in an offer. Then we go through the process of offers and counteroffers until it's hopefully accepted. At that point you're officially under contract and a bunch new steps come into play in order for you to actually complete that process and have the keys in your hand.

Hopefully that was helpful. Obviously I'm no expert but that at least gives you some information