From an equally new diver... I got certified about the same time and have collected my gear (peoples old junk) since - choosing to rent, not to own a tank.
Using DiveBuddy.com, I was able to locate all the DS and DL to set up a day in Monterey, CA. I found everything super easy to navigate as well as usefully. My tank rental was $8 plus one refill for the two dives. Fuel was the biggest set back as I live 7 hours round trip, but there are closer DLs. I carpooled with one of my friends so he covered the parking and lunch. Talk about a cheap day out! I think our next dive there on 1/5/13 will cost me a hair more but no complaints by me. LOL