I am in Orlando, FL and feel like I am getting comfortable after a full month. I have probably completed roughly 30 shops in retail, dining, and banking. I have signed up for about 55 companies now and add a few per day. All of this while working 50 hours a week at my full time job.
You have to put a lot of energy in it at first and read, read, read. Don't be afraid to just sign up for some shops to get experience. My first shop was for Market Force.
PM me any specific questions.. I'll try to help you as a newbie also if I can.