From what I have read, you don't have to have a background check, but Rover won't let me go live until I have one. Do I actually have to get one before people can hire me?
I just don't want to pay for one before I know if I will actually be able to get clients in my area.
I don't believe you pay an upfront fee for the background check. Unless I'm totally mis-remembering the cost is augmented by the fees Rover takes out of each booking you get through Rover.
No you do have to pay, I think it is $25 now, by it was $10 a few years ago.