Hello Sam, 
I used to go and still use my gut feeling all the time, obviously. 
And what give me a good gut feeling are respect, politeness, someone who took his infos, someone sympa, open to talk a bit of himself, and happy to prepare a nice event.
Positive references are a big plus, I know this person to be for real and not dangerous to meet. 
And if someone is really open to give everything required without complaining/trying to bargain how it is done,  is a BIG BIG BIG plus 
One liners people, and/or using acronyms, SMS abbreviations in an email are just looking strange.  You know the wikihow about meeting an escort is well made,
but I would add this as a general reflexion: 
After you know, because you verify, that the lady you want to know is legit/renowned, she will propose few possible ways that she requires to feel just at ease to be seeing you for the first time.
 
->>>I found it very sad/beyond understanding that few people don't understand the concept for a woman to feel secure to live a SANE & SAFE meeting with an unknown man in private settings. 
This said, I refused also to meet a couple of people based on their board's utilisation. 
  
In fact, I am there for joyful moments, for you but including mine too. :angel: