For someone in the USA, is it possible to have:
1) A desktop or online based wallet if you don't have a photo ID.
2) Ability to buy btc without needing to provide ID.
That is scary to someone who has had identity stolen before.
Thanks - please be kind. I am new and still learning. I have not yet bought BTC.
If you are plannin to buy bitcoins directly from an exchanger you have to provide them with a few verifications in order to purchase and includes photo ID, all the other ways you have to purchase here in the currency exchange may allow you to jump over the ID or photo verification.
I recommend you to find a trusted bitcoin seller here in bitcointalk or at least use escrow to prevent any kind of scam.