some advice from the more experienced

I can't get to the casinos anymore like I use to and I can't stand playing at ClubWPT anymore. I'm looking at going into the online real money cash games.
The problem is I'm in the US.

I've been thinking about depositing at Intertops.com, I've heard a lot of good about them. Unfortunately I have opened an account there a while ago and just never made a deposit so I'm ineligible for some signup bonuses (like the cardschat members freeroll) I may have signed up through here, I can't remember. How do I check if I'm eligible for this tournie?

Anyways, more importantly, I'm thinking about playing at MintedPoker (I have refrained from registering yet, only downloaded the client, so I retained eligibility for any extra cash bonuses on sign up and deposit).
Does anyone have any experience with MintedPoker? Are they reliable and trustworthy when cash out time comes? How about the integrity of their software? Problem for US players playing here? What are some other things I should take into consideration when looking for a site to play on.

And rakebacks, what about rakeback sites? are these for real? What are some signs to look for that may be evidence of illegitimacy?

Any and all advice, info., referrals anything respondents may wish to share would be appreciated. I'm a semi pro player who has lived in the casinos and back alley card rooms my whole life and my only online poker experience is on the Membership/sweepstakes oriented ClubWPT. 'Ive won a little there (made back my membership fee, though ~3 weeks later still haven't received it) and I'm just sick of the loose, unrealistic play of the people who know they aren't able to lose more than they've already invested or who are still on their 2 weeks trial period.

Thanks in advance to all respondents

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