I've been looking into getting into the hobby for awhile. I've followed ads that have interested me and tried to read what I could find online. I remember there were some links (that I actually think I found on a provider's site) to some useful posts on this site that I haven't been able to find in the new design. Maybe someone could do me the favor of posting those links so I can get familiar with them again.

So obviously I am not (yet) verified (and I understand the importance of getting so), but my concern is this, I am self-employed. So there is no supervisor to contact nor is there a switchboard to call. Does this mean I can't be employer verified? Is one verification service better at accomodating this case than the others? If it is possible to be verified in this case how would it work are they going to call my clients and ask what? And if I can't be employer verified how can I get provider verified if most providers I'm interested in require verification?

Also I live about two hours west of Chicago. Now I've seen that some providers an hour out from Chicago in the suburbs will go into the city, so is it at least possible they'd come out to the cornfields for a visit?

I mean are there any options that could come about for sometime this holiday weekend? I'm under the impression that I probably have no options in such a short time line and if that's true I guess I deserve it for taking so long to ask about it, but if there is something I don't know about it I'd definitely appreciate being in the know!

I apologize for the n00b stupidity, but some insights would be very much appreciated. I'm sure this won't be the last time I have questions so I appreciate the patience and understanding.