I'm not sure of your time frame, but don't pay for it. If the AI, TAF, ASC, GSEs, etc. are true to their word you check the box for scholarship money. The appraisal institute's window for Pathways to Success Scholarship is open through September 30, 2025. And I'm sure a quick google search will reveal other opportunities, apply for all. And don't be shy, they have specifically identified veterans transitioning as targets for the help, if you receive no help speak up on social media.
Depending on where you land and when you land, this is a tough business. Refinance and purchase transactions have NEVER been so low, and that's three years running. As a result, indie residential appraiser numbers have fallen roughly half since the peak about 15 years ago. And don't believe the narrative that residential appraisers are gate keepers who don't want to train competition, because not long ago you or any other aspiring appraiser could take the QE courses, pass the national & state test, and were then licensed. After two years of logged experience you could apply for certified. The license option didn't require PAREA or Practicum courses, QE was all you needed. The same people who claim residential appraisers refused to train and caused a shortage and looming demographics problem are the ones who decided the industry had to many appraisers, so they removed the license option only to revive it a few years later with additional classes they sell to the tune of $8-12,000.
Good luck.
