Meeting in a well populated public location is highly recommended along with keeping your cash separate from your person(tucked away in your car) prior to closing the deal. Girlfriend ride alongs,unless they pack heat and are skilled with it, generally make these type of transactions even less safe.
To me no pictures of the gear prior to meeting at this point seems pretty sketchy.
Good luck
Public spaces are generally best, but going to someone's place is far safer than you realize. You've got their address and assuming you're somewhat smart you'll have probably told at least a couple people what you're doing and where you're going. If someone starts to hassle you in their own home then usually simply pointing out that you have their name, phone number address all logged on your computer at home is generally enough to stop someone from doing something stupid.
That said, I would never bring someone into my home. They can test my gear out at a guitar center or an hourly jam space.