Hi, all. Moving to the DC area in the near future and was wondering if anyone could refer me (a provider) to a decent agency. I'm currently weighing my options.

Have you considered about going indy perhaps?

I know that a referral is probably preferred (more personal?), but you can search the Reviews for DC and check out which ones have Agency websites and contact info and follow up accordingly.  You should also check out the DC boards (Forum and Ads) to see who is saying what about whom.  

Some things are 'obvious': no need to waste your time on agency listings with dead websites or "needs new phone number" notations.  If the most recent review is 2009, you might want to move on to something more recent (Oct 2013).

Also, who is mercymathews, do you have any TER reviews and what is your current location?  (Some agencies manage tours that include DC and may also include your current location.

It takes a LOT of money to go independent, and it takes a lot of time as well, especially if you are doing your own screening, advertising and marketing, copy-writing, web design and SEO... I found that working with a small group of ladies for the first year I entered this biz gave me time to save up the money to invest in a quality website and photos for my indie career, as well as the experience both in and out of the bedroom that you need as a quality provider.

I think that finding a reputable and fair agency to work for is a totally valid way of entering the business, especially for those of us with time commitments such as civvie jobs and school.

will take 50% or more of YOUR earnings? Might be better to find a mentor in the D.C. area who can give you insight on the local situation regarding who to see (or not see), where to do incalls, etc.

Not all agencies are like the typical agency either. It's more of a network of women who work when they want, charge what they want, see who they want, and pay a person to only book and screen their calls. The cut is usually less than 60 off a 300 dollar call too, so that might be a happy medium to get the lay of the land before plunging in to indy status. I agree, there are far too many Indy women who have zero clue about this business and end up getting robbed, hurt, and arrested for making mistakes an agency or screener could have prevented.