Some other points. If you're really worried about the hidden service being identified, you should NOT run it on a VPS. Get a dedicated server. You can find low end dedis for under $50 a month these days, which should be enough to get started. Make sure you remove any backdoors, like ssh keys that the provider puts in root's authorized_keys file. Use full disk encryption. You will have to request this feature if the provider doesn't have a way for you to load installation images and install the OS yourself. Never connect to the hidden service directly. Create a separate hidden service for ssh and enable the HiddenServiceAuthorizeClient option in stealth mode. Rent the server anonymously, whether or not it's disposable. The vast majority of providers don't take bitcoins, so you'll have to anonymize fiat currency. I haven't done that for years and the most popular method back then, Liberty Reserve, is gone, so you'll have to find other ways of bouncing your money through exchanges. Other people are more knowledgeable than me about that and can probably consult you in private. And if all this is too much, then like Jack said, just get an FH invite.