You could check your county auditor's website for a property search function. 

Once you know exactly what you have to play with, what down payment and reserves you have,  then we can start searching for opportunities you can actually write offers on and most importantly close on.  

If you don't understand the contract you found by doing a Google search, should you really be assigning it to someone else for a fee? 

To find local banks thought you can go to google and just search the city + bank and start calling.

If a rough estimate is all you need, I'd suggest doing a Google search as I'm sure there are plenty of sites that will give you such a number.

But of course, all the other regular bidders realize this too.Also, make sure you get a search for mtgs/liens by legal description also, not just by the owner’s name search.  

Biggerpockets was and is a great tool for learning so I began to dig into the endless amounts of information.

In my search for knowledge and aquiring first hand and realistic education, I think a job in real estate may help me learn faster and come with more 'aha' moments.

It can be a helpful tool as it allows you MLS access and you can write your own offers etc .Are you looking to work as an agent helping people buy and sell and earn commissions  or to use the license to help you invest in real estate ? 

Have you done a member search on this site for attorneys and title companies in Las Vegas?