I just wanted to say that I've met some very sweet guys over the past few weeks and it is very much appreciated. I've read some horrible experiences on here and I'm hoping to avoid those types of things as much as possible. Any advice on how to avoid the jerks?

After screening as best you can if something dosent feel right stop the process.  
A girl told me in 20+ years she used only her best instincts to qualify people. Nothing else and she had never had a problem.  
Im sure she is unusually gifted in this area but there is something more important then just checking some board and a cell phone number..Woman's intuition I believe it used to called.
Best wishes to you!

Screening and sometimes talking for a couple of minutes before a session can tell you a lot.  If it doesn't feel right, say you're not feeling well, had back the envelope and move on.

Hey Carmen!    

Do you watch the news?  DC is not a great town for avoiding jerks and a**holes.

What everyone else said. Trust your instincts. You can tell a lot about a person just by 3min on the phone and a couple texts messages. Good luck!

I've been lucky enough to never come across a nasty attitude provider- some disinterested ones, but never rude or obnoxious- I treat people like people, and that goes a long way, not just in the hobby, but in life- treat everybody like they're cool and intelligent, until they give you a reason to consider them otherwise - it may be different on the provider side, because I'm sure that you encounter random a-holes who are in it, because nobody in the civvie life wants to deal with them lol