I'd like to start offering such a service for deals and I want to build a reputation in the most unscammy way possible.
Aside from signature keys and facilitating deals of NO MORE than 0.01 BTC to start - what else can I do to start building a positive rep?
You are saying that you are going to offer Escrow service? Do you really know what that means at all? Who is going to guarantee from your side?
No Newbie here is trusted not to run off with $100 in Bitcoin.
You are so generous LOL
I would not trust such user even with $0.01. That's 1000% decrement :-P
Anyway, on a serious note: OP, don't ask for rep here. This is your 4th post and asking for it is very unusual. Rep is not something you build or earn over night. Be with the community, stay active, help others. Sooner or later you will get recognition, you will make friends and they will trust you if you do good things. Your history will speak for you. I hope it make sense to you now.