There is almost no value for them to take a trainee and they take all the risk for your work on their license.As difficult as it is, I am still really glad I went through it.

Good Afternoon,My name is Adam and i'm currently a commercial real estate appraiser trainee.

I am seeking a way to circumvent having to wait an extended period of time in order to save down payment capital back up in order to buy my 3rd investment property.I have so far bought an investment property every 2nd year but am looking to acquire more, quicker.I am aware of working for free, being a trainee, networking events, cold emailing rental ads, etc.

My appraiser was a trainee. 

There are ways and legal contract agreements to accomplish this form of super leverage, I have done these deals over the crazy 40 years as an investor trainee (still learning).

I know I've seen that the first step is a trainee, but do I just look for someone to train me or are there positions that have me as a trainee so I can earn while I build up my hours?

It would require the trainee license which is an investment.

how much did it cost in total in terms  of dollars to become a appraiser trainee what is the learning curve like for studying and who or how did you fund the cost to become a appraiser trainee

That being said, $500k is above the price range for most trainees. 

But then, trainee appraisers need to get 1000 hours of actual work experience from an existing appraiser.