I live 50 miles from the closest Buddhist centere, how can I go about getting started as a beginner with no mentor to teach me?

I think that's a legitimate concern. Buddhism more than other disciplines tends to suffer from 'quality control' problems, in my opinion -- because it emphasizes individual practice and rejection of authority, there are a lot of just plain freaky things that manage to pass as Buddhism, and a lot of people who claim to be Buddhist who really just need to be medicated.

To me, this is just a natural consequence of the lack of a hierarchical authority structure... a system that trains leaders in an organized way and ensures some sort of standards are maintained. There's so much of everybody doing their own thing, that it can be quite confusing for a newcomer -- who knows what they're talking about, and who is just a couple of beers short of a 6-pack?

I disagree with those who think you can get Buddhism without a teacher. There's plenty of good things you can do on your own, and meditation can be helpful even if you're doing it "wrong". But the result isn't going to be Buddhism, it's going to be something else. Buddhism is transmitted from teacher to student, and then a few of the students become teachers, and so forth. It cannot really be written down.

As for finding a good teacher, that's a tough one. You're not going to be qualified to evaluate their level of understanding at first, but you can at least spot the signs of someone who is weak or shouldn't be teaching at all: a need for attention and excessive respect from the students, a desire to control others, not tolerating dissent or encouraging everyone to think like the teacher, a sense that the teacher "needs" to be in charge or is in it for their ego... those would be good people to shy away from.

Beyond that, don't be afraid to change if you find somebody and then start to sense something untrustworthy. It's your path, you're in charge, and there's a limit to the trust you should grant anybody else.

I could teach you. Books won't work because like HasntBeen said: "... there are a lot of just plain freaky things that manage to pass as Buddhism..." I tried the book thing and I've talked to other Buddhists, so I'm pretty educated in Buddhism. Two things that you can use from books though are: learning the 8-fold path and the 4 Noble Truths. If you want to learn, just let me know. I couldn't possibly put all of that info. here. It would take pages.

im more inclcined to lean towards buddahism as a faith as well misanubis, I agree that thier basic principals and teachings are bassed on love, to give and hold love as one of the most important reasoins our souls are here !
You can start to google information regarding buddhist traditions and books to read, even hop onto u tube, there is a weatlh of spiritual information available if you have the time, Rickster on here is a buddist if I recall....... you could ask him for some tips,

in the mean time, welcome to the spiritual awakening ! :)

I think the first thing to do is approach the head of that center and start with the teachings laid down by that sect.Like beads,meditations,chantings,texts,etc etc.
You need to first visit them since every center is having its own traditional methods.
Mentors and teachers will be aplenty since every person thinks he is a teacher who knows little about something.
But in your case I sincerely hope that you meet a great teacher who can guide you always.Has good at heart for you.
It is easy to get conned by false Guru's!

Buddhism is an individual thing.At the centre they can teach you the basic techniques of this fine form of meditation,then you practice it at home.There is many mental,spiritual and physical benefits one gets from meditation.

The first and foremost thing you should ask yourself is,what do you really wanna know.Are you all dedicated to take it all as at times it needs shear concentration and dedication to get the practices inculcated in you.If you have decided to learn the basics of Buddhism and practice the basics or "Karma",then you can get an online mentor.
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The negetives of online mentorship is,it has become a business now a days.Hence get to the nearest centre and communicate with the people and ask them if they can render you any distant help and when you find any convinience,you give them an occasional visit.