My suggestion is to start with a couple of indie providers that advertise as “newbie friendly”. That can often be a signal that they aren’t aggressive with screening, since they know up front you don’t have references with other providers. Be good to them - tip them a little extra, don’t be a jerk, see them more than once. They don’t owe you jack shit, so don’t be like “I’m only seeing you to get a reference, then I’m gonna drop ya”. Make it so they have no reason to say anything but positive things about you. After they do you a solid and speak well of you to the next provider/agency, see them again. Rinse & repeat.