you say you've debated it for 3 years, and done a lot of educating, but then say you haven't taken any formal training. You can certainly gain knowledge from self study, but the likelihood that you've gained good physical skills from self study and with out coaching from trained instructors is less likely.
So whats your goal? Comply with the law and get the permit, or become more knowledgeable, more skilled and get the permit? Your post seems to be speaking in both directions at the same time, and I don't know which way you are trying to go.
I always suggest classes. Its rare that I go to one and don't learn something. Its rare that I teach one and don't pick something up from fellow instructors, students, or both.
VA's training requirement is VERY weak.
One of the 'qualifying' training options is:
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Completing any firearms training or safety course or class, including an electronic, video, or on-line course, conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor;
If bubba is a NRA instructor, and he offers a class that only teaches 1 rule, "treat every firearm as if it were loaded" and it takes 1 minute to view 1 power-point slide, you've met your training requirement.
Was it a good class, did you learn a lot, does it meet the state training requirement?