Use the TER regional ad boards and the TER review database.
You can also try the verification sites like P411 and Date-check. Then there is EROS, Cityvibe, citysource and many others.

Truth is, it doesn't matter where you find them (even on backpage there are some dependable, reliable girls), but you should research them and look for reviews here or other reputable review sites. You should probably start your search right here. If you don't find what you want here and start looking elsewhere, then do the research. If you find an ad you like, start searching if they have reviews. (You can search by name, phone number, email address) Don't just make a selection  based on an ad. You will need VIP here to do proper research. It is well worth the small fee.

This is probably the best place to look.  I have said this before and I will probably say it again many times, you can look anywhere, but you gotta come back and check for reviews.  There are other review sites, but due to TER rules, I cannot name them.  Check them all.  If she has no reviews somewhere, move on.

As a newb, you should real the self help center, and it probably would not hurt you to join one or more of the verification sites until you get some references.

Swim

that tells me who is active in my area.  I pay attention to the check boxes for delivered services as promised, real pictures, recent pictures, follow the links to what ever ad sites/web site for pictures, then check her reviews.  6-10 with at least some experienced reviewers.   I can pretty well determine from this if I am interested.  
Yes, I need VIP for the reviews when I'm planning a date but I can generate several leads in a month for my bucket list.

Great fedback!

I signed up for VIP right away so I am covered on that note.

I did not even think to look on TER, great suggestions. Maybe a combo of both?

I will try it, thanks for all the great advice.