mslovesbjs68 reminded me of something,
About a decade ago when I was heavy into the hobby, I had so many mixed experiences and often wondered about meeting at a place in a public setting (Jim's for example), having a glass of tea and talking/interviewing the girl beforehand. I know that sounds odd, but back then, there was no feedback mechanism, so it was REALLY "buyer beware".
Do you providers ever do that? I know it is extra time, but would it provide an extra level of assurance?
And no, I would never show at provider's residence unannounced, besides being rude, you could put yourself at real risk. Could you imagine if she had a SO who had no idea what she did for spending money?
I had this happen, sort of. I was out with my SO, ran into a provider who I had conducted steady business with, she was with her SO. There was a quick awkward moment, and I tap danced us out of it by explaining she was a regular customer at my place of work.