the #1 thing that helped me when I started playing was having a guild to help me. If you don't know anyone in your realm, then look for a social or leveling guild. Those types of guilds are made to help people just starting, or people who just like to chit-chat, be helpful, etc... If you know people in your realm (or are considering joining a realm where you do know people. if you just started playing, you could probably level up to where you are now real quick on a new character on a realm you preferred with people you knew) then see if you can join their guild, or if they have a recommendation.

Finding a good high-quality guild isn't a sure thing, but a social or leveling guild should at least offer the help you need to get started, without near the troll-risk of asking people in general or trade chat.