I'm new to TER and don't know if these questions have already been asked and answered. However, I would seriously like to know what experiences people have had:

I believe the consensus you will receive is to use TER to search for a provider.  Trust me, you will find plenty of wonderful ladies.  Many have websites or links to other sites they use.  All the information you are seeking generally can be found, along with other protocol items.

Pricing can usually be found on her website and in her TER profile. You should have no problem finding her rate if you are doing the research you should be doing. If her rates are not found anywhere you can ask how much she gets for an hour of her time, if you ask how much for a blowjob she will likely end her contact with you. For me, if she isn't professional enough to make her rates available I won't waste my time asking and will move on to someone else.  
 Many do dinner dates or meet you for a drink if that's what you want to pay her to do. No it isn't any safer, the only time giving her the money will get you arrested is if you are in the room with LE and then it doesn't matter what you do, you are going to be arrested. If you find yourself in the room with LE the best thing you can do is STFU....do not lie or try to talk your way out of it you will only dig your hole deeper, remain silent and get a lawyer.
 It's not hard to avoid LE, research your companion first and only see well reviewed providers. Google her name, her number and her pictures. Read her complete reviews to be sure she provides the services you are looking for, to do this you need to have VIP if you don't have it get it.
 You can chase pussy all over the globe but it's probably cheaper to find it closer to home, but only you can decide how much risk is acceptable to you.

...look on the TER regional ad board for your area. The rates will be in their ads or on their web site. You being a newbie need to stick to ladies that have a lot of reviews and about half of their reviewers need to have written alot of reviews. In my area there are a lot of excellent providers between 200 to 300 an hour. Many others at 350 to 400 are available too.

and you are with her you will be arrested whether they saw you give her money or not. You may not be convicted but your name and booking photo will be publicized, when they tell the media how tough they are on trafficking, long before you even see a judge.  
What will you tell them when they ask you your girlfriend's name? I bet it won't be the same name as the ID she gives the cops, lying or obstruction is even easier to convict you on than a low level prostituion charge.

The police do not give a damn if you are guilty or not, reasonable suspicion is all they need. If you are consorting with a known prostitute they have reasonable suspicion. The DA will decide whether to charge you or not but the damage to your reputation will be done long before you have the opportunity to prove your innocence.
No they can not just come barging in unless she has been under investigation and they have a warrant. But at that point whether you paid her in the tea room, her apartment or not at all is irrelevant to your arrest. They may give you the opportunity lie to them as you try to justify why you are there, just so you can be charged with that even if the prostituion change is weak.

until they can recite it verbatim.

Great points - thanks!