"I know that no one jumps at responding to first timers"You are correct. You might be LE for all we know. LE is unwelcome here.
"Though you all seem ver saavy to the "biz", it's really tough for me to sort through the B.S. I see pics of beautiful ladies that seem fake. I hear about bait and switchs and ripoffs...it's all intimidating"
You learn from experience. Read reviews. If a provider doesn't have reviews, pass. Use Tineye (http://www.tineye.com/)to check for fake (borrowed) pics. Tineye doesn't catch everything but it's a useful filter. Ads often use pics of porn stars, JAV girls, etc. If the ad is for an AAAMP at $160/hr or less and the pic looks TGTBT, it probably is. After awhile, you will get better at spotting fake pics. They seem to use pics of Thai beauty Irene Fah a lot and her pics are so easy to spot.
If you choose a well reviewed provider, you will most likely do OK. If you decide to TOFTT, be prepared to walk if she doesn't look good to you. Often ads use fake pics because the RA won't let them take pics of her. Afraid relatives or friends may find out. If the pics look TGTBT and you decide to TOFTT anyway, be prepared for the RA to not look like her pics. Forget about the pics and just decide if she looks good to you.
If you decide to see an escort, be prepared for screening with references required. If you don't have references, find someone who doesn't require references and would be willing to be a reference in the future. Or you can find an RA that works in a AAMP. AAMP RAs often do not screen or require references.
Main thing is to do your "homework" to minimize disappointment. Stick with well reviewed providers until you get more experience. Follow instructions. Be on time. Shower and brush your teeth before session. AAMPs usually offer a shower at beginning and end of session. ALWAYS accept the shower (even if you showered 5 minutes before). Then they know you are clean. Some shower routines are coed. Treat the encounter as you would a date and respect her boundaries. If unsure about something, ask. Do not discuss money or services over the phone.