I've been appraising since the early '90's, and have had the good fortune to appraise several Yenkos, courtesy of Jim Hughes (NWYENKO). I've belonged to the IAAA (Int'l Assoc of Auto Appriasers) since '96, and like them as an organization. If you go to the website, you can click on your state to find members that appraise in your area. Auto Appraising is pretty wide open as far as regulation, so interview prospective appraisers to make sure you're convinced of their methods and knowledge.
http://www.auto-appraisers.com/Navigation%20Page.htm
I, likewise, only put my name to cars I inspect in person. Pictures, and people, lie, and its not worth getting pulled into a lawsuit for the cost of an appraisal. Good luck!
TOM BRESKE
Seattle, WA