Milwaukee does have a reputation for cancellations, low quality clients that don't like to be screened and those who like to negotiate. I've heard it for 10 years now.
With that being said, I still don't and never will ask for deposits unless I'm seeing someone on a travel rate. I also don't have a lot of the issues that go on in Milwaukee. Here's what weeds them out for me:
WHERE I advertise...I get a lot less nonsense on Eros or P411 than I do on smaller sites. I've stopped using or limit my use on a lot of smaller sites.
SCREENING, I use at least 2 forms of screening and check driver's licenses. I check their driver's license to verify they are the gentleman I screened. I check the blacklist as well.
RATES, I find that competitive rates brings higher quality clients than lowering your rates.
IGNORE, I don't entertain nasty, rude or disrespectful messages. These guys go straight to my no list.
THE GOLDEN RULE, I don't see anyone who doesn't follow it. Once you're rude or off putting, I'm done. I take no shit and as a result have earned a reputation of not taking shit and very seldom have it thrown my way.
THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION and EXCHANGE, This is a spiritual approach I take in the hobby
REPUTATION, this comes by doing right by your clients and not entertaining nonsense. The less you put up with it, the less it comes your way. Don't be afraid to say no and only see clients you enjoy seeing and want to see.
I strongly believe I have more control over my corner of the hobby than the hobby does me. I decide what kind of clients contact me and which ones I see. I've been at this for about 10 years and I'm still going strong. I believe it's HOW I navigate through the hobby and HOW I treat others and most importantly, my own thoughts that make the big difference, not the geographics or reputation of the city.
This is what 10 years of trial and error has taught me and it works