the best way to avoid any of the problems that can come up in this hobby is to learn all you can from TER.  A newbie should do a complete analysis of the newbie manual, read the list of definitions, acronyms, abbreviations, symbols, and terms.  After that, if you have further questions, come to this board and ask those questions.  There are a lot of great guys and gals that can help.  Then use the search engine here at TER to find a well established, well reviewed provider that fits your personal tastes.