I recently made the same jump. I agree with Tobi's comments, but as for the references:
It took me a while, but I was able to "step up" one step at a time (to use your analogy). There are BP providers on TER. Go with what you've got and use those references to get to that next step. But for sure, step up!
I'm in my rookie season here....I've been connecting through BP and need to step up to a higher standard due to several clunkers in a row...most providers at the higher levels require screening....some don't accept BP providers as references....in the absence of provider references, any thoughts as to how to pass screenings? I have nothing to hide as I am profoundly single and am willing to share some personal info about who I am in order to get the confidence of a provider...any suggestions are welcome....
Welcome to our lovely little community. 
Each lady typically has her own screening rigmarole outlined on her website. There's really no set standard in terms of verification, so your best bet is to pick a particular lady and see what it is that she requires. Most of us can easily verify you without references.
Good luck and have fun!
I recently made the same jump. I agree with Tobi's comments, but as for the references:
It took me a while, but I was able to "step up" one step at a time (to use your analogy). There are BP providers on TER. Go with what you've got and use those references to get to that next step. But for sure, step up!
Glad to see that you're getting smarter about the girls on BP. While there are a few that are OK, most are not. Better to go with quality and safety. Below are several options:
1. Seeing well reviewed ladies from TER who are willing to provide references or White List you.
2. Find a quality lady on Preferred 411 and after your appointment, ask her to invite you to join (this helps eliminate some of their background checking).
3. Some folks like Date Check though I prefer P411.
4. There's a local board where providers and hobbiests can vouch for one another
I totally agree with you that how I do my screen process.
Ter a good start
Some TER ladies are not newbie friendly and/or don't accept references from ladies who are not established and/or advertise solely on BP.
Posting an ISO would grab the attention of providers who wouldn't mind screening you and showing you the ropes!
thanks to all of you for the good advice....I will heed your advice and persevere...thanks again.
I do have a screening option for those without references. Each lady has a system that varies slightly...
Ask for White List references here on TER...
Join P411 or Date-Check...
Join the Indy-pendent site so if you see one of its ladies they can start your vouching process...
Offer to pay for 90 minutes, with the first 30 spent at a public location so you can be vetted by the lady... then if you pass, stay only 60 minutes BCD...
Be willing to show her your real ID, she won't remember the information so why worry?
Just a few ideas... getting to that next step will take time, but it opens up a much better level of lady than you can generally find on BP...
Great advice! It's SOOO worth it too!
Good luck in your adventure!