Hi @Jdig Welcome to BALG 
To save time for you, I highly suggest you get a book instead of searching and collecting information. There are many hq material published about her.
The best book I found is called “the grimoire of santa muerte” :
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B5NPCBS/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
You can get it from Amazon or search Google. Can’t share it here because it’s against the rules. Easy to find. You don’t need a statue to start working with her. Can use a picture ( printed or a drawing ) or a sigil. Whatever is easier or possible for you to use at the moment. If you’re planning to get one… there are tons of beautiful statues for her on Amazon.
The book I mentioned provides all prayers and rituals. There are also many threads about her here in the forum if you wish to research before contacting her.
She’s very powerful goddess/saint and could be tough to work with to be honest… but very kind, loving and caring. My personal favorite and still work with her all the time.
Please don’t forget to post an introduction about yourself, this is a requirement for all new members. You can do it here :
Also please don’t forget to check forum rules :