How to find that first great deal??

[Jacob A.]

I'm new to the real estate investing/flipping scene here in Raleigh, NC and I've done all of my due diligence including educating myself, finding a good realtor, locking down financing and finding a contractor. I'm curious how some of you found your first deals as competition is through the roof here as I'm sure it is in most other places. I check the market daily for deals and there's just not much out there as I'm assuming most of the great deals get swooped up before they even hit the market. What kind of recommendations do you guys have on breaking through these barriers to entry? Thanks in advance for the advice.