I'm gearing up for my 1st time as a hobbyist and I see some promising ads on my local BackPage. What's the chances any of those are LE? It seems to me that there would be way too many on there for that to be the case. Plus I see lots of other well reviewed BackPage providers on here as well. Would there be any way for me to ensure beforehand I'm good to go?

The topic of BP comes up often. I've linked a previous bp thread. If you learn to use the ter"search" feature you can pretty much find  answers to all your questions without having to post questions. However, to answer your question, it doesn't really matter where you find a provider, it's doing the research to make sure she's legit that's most important.  A good source to use for locating providers is your ter regional ad board. Finally, make sure you have VIP membership so you can read the juicy details. Good luck

I've had excellent luck with Backpage but one does need to do his research.

most likely will be in for a big disapointment.  BP has many risks, including LE, if you don't do your homework.  Yes, there are some gems but you do need to do your research.

and well reviewed providers as well.  I find it more time efficient to start with TER reviews (that is the purpose of TER) and follow the links back to their ads on what ever site.  Just the mere prescence of reviews is not enough...  some clever scammers even link to bad reviews figuring most guys are too lazy or cheap to read them.  (My private conclusion, you are welcome to judge for yourself.)  
Pay close attention to services as promised check box, real pictures.  You should come up with several by this point.  Then you need VIP, to read the review texts & see what is closest you your desires.  Yes, VIP costs a bit...  but it is cheaper than the cost of even one spoiled date, wasted opportunity or brush with LE.   Not that you should ever be sloppy...  but the likelihood of a scam or underperformance is more likely than a LE sting.
There is a lot of good information on the self-help section (link by the lifesaver) and also by reading back on this board...  and it's free!
H

Your best choice is to use the reviews on this site.
If you want to go with an un-reviewed provider you are safer with an older one. Look for age over 35. They all know the right things to say in their ad (GFE, blah, blah, blah) but few will deliver as good as the ad states.

Depending on the area, you might find more hidden gems than other area.  As others have said, it doesn't matter where you find them, do the research.  My rule is no reviews somewhere, no visit.  If you find a well-reviewed provider on BP, be sure to check her out thoroughly before contacting her.

There is no substitute for doing the research!!!!!!

Swim

If you buy it with a credit card, your membership starts as soon as the charge clears. If you prefer money order, you will wait around two weeks.

My advice is that you stay away from sites like Backpage, CityVibe, EROS and other escort malls. Even highly experienced hobbyists have hit and miss luck with escort malls. Use TER reviews to select a provider. You may be better off to start with a highly rated agency in your city. If you insist on using an escort mall, check for reviews on the provider that you're interested in. If no reviews, or reviews with performance scores lower than 7, move on.

Thanks for the advice guys. I am VIP.

As a Provider, I deliver far and above

Has anyone ever gone to a backpage girl and gotten arrested.  Same question about a TER girl.

No issues with LE, but a Huge issue with bait and switch (posted about it).
I guess the way I understand it, and not 100% because I have yet to have a good experience, is that the harder it is to book an appointment with a provider the better it will be.
I agree with the reviews piece on TER, just wish there were more reviews in my area...

Best of luck!
BSR

I think that would bet better than Toft?

IT,s take one for the team toft