All of your reference questions can be answered on the Newbie board.

Welcome.  Yep, it's the old catch 22.  Here are a couple of suggestions:

1) call the provider you want to see and see if she will allow another form of screening, such as:
  -- I know a provider who would see you if you provided your work & home info, which she would call to verify (I personally did not choose that option as I'm big on discretion)
  --I've heard of another provider who would see you if you booked 2 hours, which you pay for up front.  The first hour is you meet at a public place and after meeting you, she may invite you back to her room.
 -- An agency I know would be ok if you set up a date check ID

2) Go see 2 other providers who screen but don't require reference.  There are some great ladies in that area and GFE4NC is a good agency.  Then write reviews to help establish yourself.

Of screening besides two references. References are nice but are not make it or break it for me. I like when gentlemen have references but am just fine with using other information for screening. If you contact a provider and references are mandatory just move on until you find a couple of ladies or an agency with whom you can build up a positive reference history and write reviews.

~Rae