The lynchburg courthouse is a good one to learn at.  They have many of the odd title issues going on out there that you don't see often.  It is a great courthouse to learn acreage searches because of all the farm land out there,  Thomas Nelson and Tidewater Community colleges out my way offer classes as well and I know personally one of the attorneys that teach the classes.  They go to the courthouse in Newport News and Virginia Beach. 

My opinion is that the class will help you get familiar with what an abstractor does, and give you a brief guidleine as to what is involved but is in no way gives you the training you need to go out and do it yourself.  It does however give you enough to find an entry level job with a company who can then fully train you.  Sometimes it is easier to train someone who has brief knowledge than someone who knows absolutely nothing.

Hope that helped a bit.
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