Some providers identify themselves as newbie friendly, so you could start with those.  It is just the issue of searching enough listings.  Most providers with websites will have a way of verifying without a provider reference.  They will typically ask various personal details.  It is a matter of how comfortable you are with giving that information.  

If you ever go to Las Vegas, stopping at a legal brothel might be another way of getting a reference.

If you search the newbie board, there are many posts on how to get started.  I know, I have answered many of them as the newbie host.

Swim