Hi @ArtistDoug welcome to our community forum and to TrustedHousesitters …
I’m sorry that your first post relates to a disappointing start and I’ve added your profile link to your forum profile that way other members can view and offer feedback and suggestion, often a little help with a profile and other tips go a long way to helping with success, we all started in the same place …
One very good example of just how inspirational our community can be is in this topic started by a new member @Andrew https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/nobody-wants-me-advice-for-a-first-time-house-sitter who found success through the help and encouragement he received from his fellow members.
Do ask questions and reach out … you will find you’ll get nothing but support back.
Angela and the Team