Thanks everyone for your help. I am studying the Military Competency test from Sheppard right now. I'll take that test in a week or so, and take my paperwork to a FSDO in Jan. After I have, what we all know is nothing but a paperwork shuffle, I'll go somewhere and see if I can get an experienced Teacher to give me some training, before I actually get in an airplane with a student.
I really like your idea of meeting the local FAA reps. I think if I could get some mentoring from a FED that would be a huge advantage... My past experience as an examiner and designee was that with the proper deference most if not all feds were very very courteous and helpful.