Deal Hunting: How to/what am I doing wrong?

[Alex Manley]

Based on everything I have read here on BP, the most important part of RE Investing is finding a great deal. My question is simple, but the answer no doubt complicated: How?

I have been using lots of online databases (Realtor, Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist, etc.), but none of the online inventory in my target markets (Aurora and Elgin, IL) really works as a buy and hold investment. I have also talked with 2 agents with 0 results. 

I am sure there are other ways to find deals, I'm just not sure what they are. To any BPers out there who can tell me what I need to do better, what should I do to find my first deal?