i personally did start out with an agency..once you have references and a track record..the indies will cum calling..

it might be easier to start with an agency.  If they have several providers that attract you, it would be a good way to stack up some references.  I see no reason why an agency provider would not ref you, although it might come from the agency owner instead of the provider.

If you join a verification site, that might help also. Preferred411 allows it's providers to indicate if they are newbie friendly, which means the screening is somewhat less stringent.

Swim

I'm not a big fan of agencies because I prefer it when she has more say in who she sees. Agencies are also a much bigger target for LE than a single indie provider is. On the flip side once you are cleared by an agency you are cleared for everyone that works there so if one isn't available someone else will be. As far as references go many indies wont accept them from an agency because they usually come from the agency not from the provider you saw although that varies from place to place and person to person.

much better experience.  Independents don't have the guys lined up on the hour like some agencies do.

Also, stay away from BP.

Relax and enjoy.

That is my main concern and reason #1 why I don't go near agency's any longer. WAY too much risk for me.  

I also found the service and experience to be much better with an Indy, in general.  

Services do have that allure of looking at their stable of girls and many service girls are ridic hot, but few in my opinion, are great providers.  

Some are just in for a short period of time to make a few quick bucks with less hassle and they really aren't interested in garnering repeat clients, and to do the necessary things to foster that.