I have to give props to "dcotese'' on LocalBitcoins. I'm in the united states and this was my first major purchase and he made the whole experience very pleasant. I contacted him the night before I proposed the trade and he answered all of my questions quickly and clearly. After making the cash deposit at his bank I received my bitcoins within minutes, which I was surprised by the speed it rivaled that of Bitinstant(when it was operating). It went so well I did another transaction the next day and since I gave him a choice of two of the banks he offered I received a 1% discount! Overall it was a great experience and I encourage anyone in the US who wishes to purchase bitcoins to use his services.