hi, i'm paying in cash though, is it possible for seller to FIRST put his bitcoins into escrow at our meeting, i hand him money, then he releases into my localbitcoins account which is instant?
Once you start the trade the coins will be held in escrow by default and will be released if the trade is completed or any dispute occurs.But you should carry your laptop with you in order to avoid any risks or to prove it's you.Yes,your account will be credited instantly.
But again check the previous feedback's of the seller before trading.