However, I have attended some intense training and have received some valuable knowledge and tools which allows me to find deals and contacts locally and out of the area, that most other agents or investors can't do.

Could it be they think they can't pass a test?

Can be very profitable too however the research is labor intensive.

This can be a good strategy, but it also can be somewhat more management intensive.

These properties are sold to "dealers" landlords or rehabbers or to someone who can buy who generally has the intension of curing the issue that keeps the property from being retailed.

I am wondering if there’s a way to test the water here without having to pay a really huge fine.

There is good and bad in that, I would say that if you have specific land in mind maybe test drive it by specifically mailing just those. 

@Andre Vitalis Not 100% clear on why you must know their mortgage balance outside of looking for the answers to the test.

I even tested out a ton of different sites, looked into a ton of different strategies for investing in general.

@Timothy Casallas I can't help you with a team in Philly, but I'd like to test your resolve a little.