You got weirdos anonymously answering a question about Freemasonry on Yahoo!Answers? Wow. Didn't see THAT coming! :-D
It's true that in some jurisdictions, Prince Hall Lodges aren't recognized. States that do recognize PH are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia (Washington DC), Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.
In my opinion, Grand Lodges that don't recognize or give full recognition to Prince Hall Lodges are idiotic. But that's just me, and I live in a state that does have full recognition.
However, ALL Grand Lodges allow members of any race to join. If you went to a Lodge that directed you to a Prince Hall Lodge rather than admit you, I'd call up the Grand Lodge for that state and lodge a complaint.
I'm twice as old as you, and I don't know what a gold card is, at least as it relates to a Blue Lodge. It may be something specific to your state (In California, we've got cards for completing returns, finishing all of the Scottish Rite degrees, etc.).
If you haven't already, I'd recommend picking up a copy of Freemasonry for Dummies, it'll go a long way towards you Masonic education; Br. Chris Hodapp is a pretty smart guy, and his book covers most of the basics you'll need.
As far as a mentor goes, though, finding one online is a bit iffy; I'd find one in person, instead.
NOTES:
- David Ike has spent absolutely NO time studying Freemasonry; he's a conspiracy theorist who knows nothing other than how to get money from the pockets of the gullible.