I think you guys are both right - It's about BOTH money and connections. Like networking in real life for work, except it's your social network. And when I say social network...like, I don't think you share with your family your hobbying ventures (or maybe you do?)
One wrinkle I want to throw on top of this, and this is where I come from - just because you're a superhot IG model that makes pretty good porn scenes for your OF, doesn't make you a good provider or a great provider.
This is just my two cents, so take it or leave it, but there's a lot more that goes into being a great provider than looking hot and awesome sex, right? Attitude and mindset, courtesy, professionalism, organization. Like, will she be on time? Can she carry a conversation? Will she at least pretend to be into me / into the moment? Will she be clean (ever gone down on someone and suddenly you realize they ain't so fresh?) Will she actually be discrete with me and my info? And a million other things.
I don't mean to put a damper on things for anyone; you do you, or YOLO. Just food for thought. Hell, I may be overthinking things here.