Bit of a Catch-22 trying to get started. Any advice from those in DC and NOVA?

Try searching for newbie friendly

Xoxo
Eden

Then jump through her hoops to get verified.  Make sure that she is well reviewed herself.  There are many ladies that have other processes to determine to their satisfaction that you are safe (I am not one of them).  If their reviews are good, one or two of them as references will open doors for you in the future.

Such as P411 may be another option.    
It will require you to pass some personal to Gina (owner of P411) and pay, but its well worth the expenditure.   The good thing about P411 is that it is a known service to both ladies and guys.  A lady may be willing to meet you if verified by P411.
From a guy's perspective, it makes it easier for me meet ladies as they too are verified so it cuts down on my researching time.
Good luck!

I am very low volume.  When I started six years ago it was tough to see someone due to your situation.  However, there are a few ways to move forward.

1. How you communicate is key.  Your email should be personable and honest.  Explain your situation.  Many of the ladies I messaged thanked me for my honesty and worked with me.

2. There are plenty of ladies who will verify you through work.  They are very discreet so no worries.  You can even tell them what to ask for so you blend in as a normal caller.

3. Google.  If you are by chance online in some compactly it helps verify who you are.  Example, I am mentioned in a few published articles in my industry.

But, the best is being honest and forward with the ladies in your messages.  Many of them will work with you and once you've seen 1-2 you're all set!  

Personally I won't see someone who's been verified by p411 without at least 2-3 okays. So you could do that but that may not work for everyone. I think the best thing to do is find someone who strikes your fancy, read their site, and see what they require for someone without references. Most of us have a process that entails work verification and those who don't accept that will make that clear. Contact that person to explain your situation and verify that you will send in xyz for them if that's what they need. And then do it. See them and be a decent person. Ask politely if you can use them as a reference after the date is done. Repeat the above once more. You now have 2 references! Don't abuse them by using them 10x after seeing them once. Give them a heads up. Alternately, if agencies interest you, look there and you can be verified with them and have access to lots of variety, but you'll still need actual references for most independents.

Also, read the newbie board. This and many more questions you might have are answered there.

Good luck.

Norah makes good points.  
Do your research and find a lady who is reputable and has an established presence.  Reach out to her and see if she is willing to work with you to get you verified.  Once verified, P411 makes it easier to meet ladies in the future.

If someone without any references wants to meet with me I give them the option of paying a deposit. I know this doesn't work for everyone but I do have a lot of reviews spanning several years which I think vouch for my reputation.