'm relatively new to the hobby seen 7 or 8 provisers but have only filled out one review.  however i have recently begun taking it more seriously in the last month or two.  So far, i've only used independent providers that i've found using TER or P411, so I've never used an Agency before but am tempted to try out Chicago Cover Girls, ECE, KP, "the mysterious Pam" etc.  

couple of questions for you:
1. How can a girl working for an agency charge less than an independent?
2.Are rates listed on the site only for the agency (i.e. the provider requires a donation above and beyond the say $350 / hr incall before things )?
3.  is there one agency that you've liked more than another?   If so please advise.    

appreciate any advice you can provide and sorry for the "green" question

1) Agencies typically take half of that, if not more.

2) RS2K is popular in your area and I believe the main site to use.

Beyond that, can't help you.

I am north of you... and P411 is big as well as some crappy site I won't bother mentioning. TER isn't big in Milwaukee.

However, I did not like being able to screen my own clients. The "agency" negotiates your rate, often use bogus stock pictures and even if you charged the same rate an agency spit is normally %50. I did no FS with the agency mainly because I was not serious and the rest is obvious. But on the upside I always saw great clients.