I totally understand the need for screening and references, safety is very important.
The question is - how can one go about getting some decent references without having to spend a few hundred dollars to get them?
The only way to get references is to visit with some ladies. They aren't going to give you a freebie. As far as the screening goes you don't have to spend any money as long as you are comfortable answering any and all questions someone asks in their screening process. And that varies from provider to provider or you can get verified by P311. Regardless if you are concerned with investing a couple hundred dollars this may not be the right thing for you.