New to this hobby. Have had no contacts w any providers yet so how do i get "rated" or "checked"? How do u get references & started with this? Sounds like getting "credit" -u need credit to get good credit - or am I wrong? Which r the best sites for references? Any other things to watch out for? Im based out of los angeles. Thanks all!!

Just went thru this myself, started with an erotic massage, easy to book, no screening, then I moved up to a local girl (no screening), who verified me for an upscale highly rated girl in Mpls. She is a member of P411 and promised to provide any reference I request. So in one month I made big progress.
Good luck.

Do check out the Self-Help Center.
Read back several pages on this board.
Read about verification sites such as P411 and Date Check. There are others.
It's good to ask questions. Take the time to read all the info that is here too.

I would check sites like backpage, and eros. There are a lot of newbie friendly providers on those sites. Do your research on a provider you want to see, by making sure she has at least 5-8 recent revews (with in six months).

I'd also google her name, and e-mail to check out if she has reviews on other sites, and others ads she has posted in the past in other cities. After you do this you're 90% sure she's legit.

Just give her a call, and say "Hi, I saw your ad on (sitename), and would to set a 30min appointment.
Her response if all is well, will be something like "When did you want to come over?" after you give her the time, she'll say something like, "My 30mins is $.$$, did you still want to come?"
after you say yes. go see her.

Most providers will ask some where during the conversation, are you LE? While talking to her over the phon or in person. just let her know this is your 1st time. She'll take the lead role then

Have your full donation and enjoy.

And enjoy

you need a minimum of an hour and probably 2 hours.  Enjoy the ride; priceless.

Search through their list of local providers, and see which ones will see someone with no OK's...

I agree - I would not waste time on 30 minute for first time - 1-2 hours, and with a lady who has good quality reviews.  I started with mature ladies (over 35 as they tend to have more patience with a newbie, but to each his own).