Go back to the home page of TER and click on "discussion boards" again.  Instead of clicking this one, the NEWBIE board, you can click on a "Local Board"  That will get you into a regional conversation about specific suggestions in your local area.
But come back here to the NEWBIE board and find the "thread" that starts "NEWBIES Start Here".  Just scroll around until you find it...the lovely and talented staff are constantly trying to keep that thread on the first page.  It has a bunch of nice info.  (you might want to print out that abbreviations and acronmyms page.  Pin it on the fridge at home.)
 I became a Newbie just a couple months ago.  Never saw a provider and I came across TER and became a ViP member.  Once I did, it only took a couple hours of "research" to feel quite comfortable diving in.  And so I did.
 This is the board for general questions about your new hobby so read it cover to cover and then start asking questions...but chances are it as already been answered if you read for a while.
Then go to the big old national discussion board and eavesdrop for a while.
   Have fun and play safe my friend,
Jockeypants

Providers vary considerably in how much screening info they require.  Some want lots of information, sometimes even including employment info.  Some require less, or even none at all.  Do a little searching around -- eventually, once you get estalished with a couple, it should be easy to provide references for those who require it.  

Remember, while it's always a lady's right to ask, it's also yours to refuse -- move on if you feel that answering a given question could be too risky for your situation.  Don't let the little head think for the big one!

Cheers!