You've been given some great information.
One thing I'd like to add is that you are not restricted by location. Many of us have customers that we've never met. I have a friend, another longarmer, who has a group of top makers in the Netherlands who send several quilts a month to her. I've done some quilts from Alaska.
The most important part of your search is to find someone who will listen to what you want, and your ability to describe what you want on that quilt. I have one lady who wants very little quilting, and is very exact on what it is that she wants done. I have another that says, "Let the quilt talk to you. I want to see what you come up with."
Good luck on your search. Relax, enjoy the process!!! You may make a new friend in the process!