Dear Terry,
Things are more easier these days. To learn and Practice.
Only hardest of all is getting a job or rather a proper break. As per your query, you basicaly want to have a platform (Virtual Machine) where you want to practice and learn SAP right?.
Well, you have not mentioned which module you are into. But here is the link where from you can download the SAP GUI and connect the same with server access from the Service providers at your location. here in India, there are plenty of service providers, i have no idea about yours.
So download this GUI from here Downloads and configure it when you get the server configurations from the service providers.
For all of this you would need an internet connection and monthly rent for server access.
I am sure this would help you to practice on yourself the module you are into.
hope all these information helps.
Regards,
Aparajit