Paypal is the way to go unless you can exchange cash on local purchase. As for feeling safer with first-time seller, establish solid communication via telephone conversation concerning the sale. I have purchased many times from first timers. Haven't got burned yet. In fact my only burn was from a guy with a fair amount of perfect feedback. It was ten years ago and I never got my money back.
Buying from first time seller
Every seller has a first time selling so this is nothing against first time sellers. Still, a positive rating inspires more confidence when buying than no rating at all. Is there any way to at least somewhat protect yourself when buying from a seller with no rating? I would assume that a direct wire transfer to a seller's account would provide at least some protection from complete fraud since the seller would have to go through at least some kind of identification process to establish their bank account and this would be discoverable in a criminal or civil case. I do not know if this assumption is true.