New to the hobby with no references, any suggestions?

Thanks

Referances are not always required but you should be up front about being new & not having referances.  You should be prepared to provide additional information to confirm your identity.  
Some find verification services useful in these cases.  Not sure what is preferable in your area.
Best Wishes,
skb

Thanks for your help so far, but yes, I have done plenty of research on this topic and everyone on my initial list required a reference when I called. I am up front and am willing to provide more information but so far have struck out, I know my next step would be a verification service, but I figure I would give the boards a shot to see if there where any recommendations.

but be prepared to have VIP so you can be PM'd and you may or may not get a good response if you haven't had much of a board presence.

you may indeed put up an ISO request on the local board.  However, I would NEVER recommend a lady to ANYONE.  
I don't know other hobbiests as it's not discreet.  I would not be able to vouch for another would be hobbiest.    
If you have a few posts up on the boards here & put up an ISO, the lady could search your posts as an aid to getting to know you.  Perhaps a lady who is interested in taking on a newbie would respond.  
Best Wishes,
skb

Preferred411 is a verification sight and it list whether the ladies are newbie friendly.