New investor having trouble finding deals

[Spencer Rossie]

I am a new investor having serious trouble finding any inventory in my area. My current avenues have been strictly mls/craigslist. How can I broaden my search to more off mls properties? I live in Hammond, LA and have currently only been looking in the Hammond area. Should I look to doing my own marketing? Can foreclosure or soon to foreclose list be obtained (that aren't listed w/ mls)? I have been looking for over a year now and have not closed a deal (although I have been close). My finances are all in order..I just need to find the right deal to get started. Any advice? Thanks!!