Welcome, Alicia! Take it slow, and don't try to overextend yourself. Beware of scams! NO reputable MSC will ever send you a large check, ask you to buy iTunes or gift cards, and to send them back, while keeping a "fee" for yourself. If ever you get something like that, IT IS A SCAM. Also, although perfectly legitimate, is that you will often have to make a purchase [i.e. fast food], and then wait to be reimbursed. Just by reading this Forum, you will soon learn which MSCs honor their payment schedules, and which do not. Only YOU can decide how much up-front money you're willing to shell out. Honor your commitments, and, if you cannot conduct an assignment as scheduled, be proactive and let your Schedulers know right away. Do quality work. Your reputation is everything. Have fun!