We have had pretty good luck with Wyzant.com. It's a service that connects tutors with students using an online database. There are usually several tutors to pick from (at least for common stuff like math) and they bill my credit card and handle paying the tutor and tax issues. The two I am using now both had current background checks but if they didn't I could buy one if I wanted. Other people post reviews so sometimes that is helpful. Most of the going rates seem to span $30 to $40 an hour and most are willing to come to your house.
