So, I am young (23) trying to start up this hobby.  I love this site/the reviews but I have obviously tried to start the wrong way.  CL and CV ads have blown my money with nothing to show for it.  Does anyone have any recommendations on what to do? where to start? providers to start with?

at 23, you will have a bit more of a problem than someone twice your age. A lot of ladies tend to see only men over a certain age, 35 seems to be pretty popular. It's nothing against anyone in particular, just a general maturity issue, and the simple fact that older gentlemen know how to be gentlemen. It's not a lost cause, though. I have seen some ladies post that they do see younger guys in response to posts similar to yours.

Some suggestions would be to get involved here on your local board, and contribute to the discussions. You might also consider joining a verification site like Date-Check or Preferred411. They won't guarantee you any dates, but might make the screening a little less painful. If you stick around, I'm sure you will find some ladies who are willing to see younger guys. Just remember to always be a gentleman, and treat the ladies with respect. If you can do that, your reputation will carry you the rest of the way.

Good Luck

You may not have exactly the same issues as older guys but you should read the newbie manual (link at the top of this board) and really understand how this is supposed to work.  Reading these boards will be immeasureable help.  
Learn how to be discrete, how to place phone calls, do you need a hobby phone?  A separate private e-mail account.
You MUST keep everything secret, from your friends, your buddy's, everyone...  except these boards.  If you are not totally discrete, you'll risk your own safety & any lady you are with.  Can you do that?  
I agree with the previous advise...  Do be a respectful gentleman at all times & things should go well.  
skb

23 is very very young... You still have so much in the world to do and learn. Why the hobby now ?

aged 18, 19, 20 and up? Please I know women mature faster but we are talking about sex and the guy is 23. Seriously now what is with this double standard?

Get screened by a site like DateCheck, P411 or RS2K. This will help you a GREAT deal when you have to be screened by providers. Since you don't have past provider references this will be your best option.

Visit your regional board here and check out who is posting. Try and start a conversation by PM (you need VIP membership for this) with a well reviewed lady there. She will also probably have some great advice for you. I would also suggest you invest in at least a month worth of VIP membership here so you can read full reviews and get an idea of how an appointment might go and how a lady is rated overall.

I started in this hobby (off and on) when I turned 25 so I don't think 23 is too young.

People are different and I have met some 13 year old kids who have seemed 100 times more mature than local teenagers I see wandering around the malls zombified. So take the maturity jabs with a grain of salt. All that is, is a generalization some people have and youth.

There are plenty of providers and there will be one that I am sure will give you a shot.

A young provider has learned her trade and knows the ropes (or she ought to, anyhow.).

The young client however, is still often a babe in the woods.

As such they record is that young guys tend to be disrespectful, or alternately, so doe eyed that they fall head over heels in love.

It's a sad state of affairs, but this is what the record bears out.

Also, the young crowd often doesn't have the monetary wherewithall to hobby yet.

in the various reviews, you wouldn't be in this situation.  My guess is you are seeing ladies with minimal, if any, review history.

Do like the man (men!) says: do your research here on TER, make polite inquiries to the ladies and see if they'd be willing to see you with the minimal information you have to offer at this time.

Ohhh, and get on Date-Check!  It'll go a long way to someone accepting you easier with that behind you.

Good luck!!!

PS - Not all of us are against young hobbyists.