Hi, TrailerGuy. That's an ongoing issue. You have to really look to find the jobs in your area. Because many times clients are shopped regionally, different companies do more work in different parts of the country, so the companies I make most of my money from may not be the companies who have the most shops in your area. The shoppers who could give you the most information are those who are currently doing the shops in your area, who will be your competitors once you start to request assignments in the area. Many may be reluctant to provide you with a short list, since in many areas there are a limited number of shops and there is a lot of competition. In addition, clients regularly move from one mystery shopping company to another, so the companies with jobs in your area may change frequently.
My best recommendation is that you set aside some time and sign up with a lot of companies, at least 50-100. 150 is better. There's a list below of 200, Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies, the blue link at the bottom of the page. Although a few of them require a writing sample (hint: when you write your first one, Save it in Word to cut and paste every time you are asked for one) and a couple have tests you must take, it is actually very fast to apply with each company. It's much faster than having to submit a job application. Once you have applied with all the companies, many may not have jobs in your area TODAY. That doesn't mean they won't have jobs next week, next month or next year. Take the jobs that are in your area and be ready to take any that come up with any of the companies you have registered with.