Ive looked around a bunch here and can't seem to find the answer to this question. If it is your first time as a hobbyist how do you get around the reference aspect? I can provide all the other information, but a reference is going to be hard. What have people done in the past?

Great question!  I came looking for the same info.

Above your post is a "search message" feature
Click on that and follow the directions. Set the days at 360 and you should find a ton of posts and threads on this topic. Good luck, and remember to only see well reviewed TER ladies who screen.

As a newbie and assuming you never seen a provider, your employer could be your employment reference. You cando this safely through the verification services listed.