You might be able to get the guy you are getting your semen from to do the AI for you. One thing, if you aren't careful, you can poke the end of the rod through tissue if you get through the cervix, so I would be a little concerned. I did alot of "feeling around" before I ever stuck a breeding rod into a cow. I had an AI tech teach me, and he had me feeling in cows when I was going around with him, for several days, then he had me try the rod. Then I took a refresher course through Select sires and we did alot of practicing at the stockyards on cull cows.
List your area, might be someone on here that would be able and willing to help you out. Semen is not cheap so you don't want to just stick it in there and waste it either. But I do understand that you want to get them caught on their heats. When are you wanting the calves to be born? Might be able to take the course then breed them for spring calves....