First off, welcome to the Forum!
I am in the process of taking the classes but I am having no luck finding a trainer who will let me get the hours I need
Taking the classes (and completing them) will definitely get you better results than starting 100% from scratch in trying to find a supervisor/mentor.
Although I agree with searching through this site and some of the different threads, etc, I'd add looking into any local appraisal organizations in your area. The AI (Appraisal Institute) is a national organization (I am not a member BTW) who are one of (the?) biggest in the country. There are others. Also, some states have their own (I don't know if NJ does or not). But these appraisal organizations (and they are not Unions) can be a place you may be able to meet someone willing to take on a trainee.
Another avenue may be any real estate agents you may know, asking them if they know any local appraisers.
I will say this, and I've said it often here on the forum, IMO, you have to really WANT to become an appraiser and this field is definitely not for everyone. It's a long road and not always an easy one to traverse to get that license/certification.
