What is the best way to get practice?

I'm new to local SEO, but not just plain old SEO. I have read a lot of threads about local SEO, but the only problem is I have nothing to really practice on. I was thinking, would it be a bad idea to contact a fairly new business in my area and ask them if they would let me practice my SEO skills on there business? Of course I would word it so it doesn't sound so bad. That's the only idea I can come up with for getting good, real experience.

It's not a bad idea. You can also get an address and start your own "local business".

In the lexicon of certain branches of Christianity, especially the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox branches,religious as a noun usually refers to a member of a religious institute of monks, nuns, friars, clerics regular, or to another individual who takes the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience (the evangelical counsels) in a religious institute. Religious are members of religious institutes, societies in which the members take public vows and live a fraternal life in common. This is a form of consecrated life distinct from other forms, such as that of secular institutes. It is distinct also from forms that do not involve membership of an institute, such as that of consecrated hermits, that of consecrated virgins, and other forms whose approval is reserved to the Holy See.

Yes, if you know someone who owns a small business or there's one you like (e.g. your favorite non-chain restaurant) that doesn't have very good or any local SEO, just ask them if you can help in exchange for using them as an example in your portfolio. A lot of people would jump at the chance to get free marketing for the cost of being a future reference.

Why not try a family member's business first? They tend to be more trusting in general. Otherwise you could always try ranking some fictional business, just to get the ins and outs of things.

Sure , btw local business'es are usually super easy to seo (if you understand seo). Unless it's dentists and medical offices. Pizza shops, and other small busniesses can be easily seo'd effectively and efficently in the least amount of time