I am new to this and have found a couple of providers I want to contact. My question is how much information does a provider typically want? I want to keep my private life private as much as possible.

Most will want at least a valid phone number by which to contact you (cell phones are generally ok).  Many will not take calls from a phone with blocked caller ID.  

Many will also want a reference or two from another provider that you've seen.  If you can't provide that, then some will be willing to screen you in other ways --e.g. by verifying employment info or through a screening service such as 'RoomService 2000'.

The above are general guidelines -- each provider has slightly different policies with regard to screening, which you need to honor scrupulously if you wish to see that lady.  It's helpful to keep in mind what her purposes are in screening you in this way.  It's not to harrass you, but to make sure you're not:

1) LE (Law Enforcement, a cop)
2) A psycho who wants to harm her

That being the case, be as patient and friendly as you can as you go though the process.  At the same time, bear in mind that you are not *obligated* to tell her anything.  If she insists on getting information that you deem too sensitive (e.g. employment info), feel free to pass on that lady.  In all cases though, be gracious in dealing with her, and let her know right away if you are not going to be able to tell her certain things.  This keeps both of you from wasting time.  Providers screen for their own safety, and most of them find it to be as much of a chore to do as hobbyists find it to endure.

Cheers!

How does RS2000 work?

NEVER give out info that could hurt you if used carelessly or malignantly.  I did a lengthy post Friday on the National board about this.  Basically, I once gave my home phone number to an agency.  They swore they never call the number, the just want it to confirm I'm not LE.  But they did call.  And my SO answered.  My SO wasn't as stupid as the agency girl who called my house. I got screwed, all right, but not the way I intended.

There are lots of ladies who require lots of personal info. But, there are also a lot of attractive ladies who will see you knowing only your first name and perhaps a direct-dial work number.