This has been asked about a million times (search button is at the top of the forums), but some providers will see newbies if you give them enough personal information.  What is common is: Employment info, First/Lastname, Phone number and possibly address.  Getting verified by a service like Preferred411, Date-Check or RS2k (especially if you live in Chicago) will help.

Not all providers require referances.  A lady will probably screen more throughly if you do not have them.  If one will not see you without referances, move on to one who will.
Likewise, retired & self employed do not have employment information...  & must be screened by other means.
skb

I started out using an agency. Took about two hours to get approved. I'm self-employed, they needed some info, but info was exchanged over the phone. I did two visits with that agency, and from then on they were my reference for future providers.