Shauna,
I'm not among the naysayers. I think the whole trial thing with a complete stranger can work if done correctly. It sounds like you have thought this through very well and have a game plan. Who cares if you bail in 2 days, that's why you do the trial. It may even take several attempts at starting the trial to find someone who it can work with. I'm a 57 year old male and if I was in a position to help you out I would try it in a heart beat just for the experience because I've always had the mind set that you don't know if you'll like something unless you try it. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to help you. If you keep looking I bet you'll find someone, male or female, that would do this with you. Patience is your friend in this endeavor.
I have an acquaintance who has been assisting me in building my solar system on my camper and I've been looking for good used solar panels cheap. Not because I can't afford new ones, because I refuse to pay the prices for new ones they are asking. He told me the same thing time/patience is your friend so don't get in a hurry, take your time. i found 4 130 watt panels for 50 cents per watt but it took me a year of looking on Craigslist every other day or so. I wasn't in any hurry and time worked out in my favor.
Same goes for you, take your time and you'll find someone to do this with and no we won't read about you being found hacked to pieces and thrown into in alligator swamp somewhere, could that happen, absolutely, but not if you do your homework.
Hope you can make it happen.
