I'm still new to the Ultima series, but it is one that I've been wanting to get into for a long time now. I downloaded and tried Ultima 4 a while ago, but had a hard time figuring the game out. Does anybody know where I might find some good help for getting started in this game? Also, an mods which could make it a little more playable to someone who isn't very familiar with older CRPG's?

xu4 is your best bet for an update. It's still not a modern game by any stretch of the imagination though. My first suggestion on playing the game is to take a lot of notes. Secondly, don't play the game like you would a current RPG. You're on the quest of the avatar, so: no opening chests and taking their contents, no cheating shopkeepers, no attacking innocents, etc. You are a GOOD GUY and there is no room for anything slightly evil.

Search every square of world/towns, talk to NPCs and take notes, find companions (you need all party members) and level up your party, try to find clues about what you should do next. You shouldn't be impatient or nervous about not making progress, this game needs time and a lot of exploration.

If you are really stuck, try to watch ultima IV let's play on youtube - but not too much or it will spoil you the experience ;)

There is a beginner's guide on GameFAQs:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/562660-ultima-iv-quest-of-the-avatar/faqs/45830

Also, be sure to look up some of the useful links I've collected in the sticky thread.