What to do next, hit a wall...

[John Romero]

I'm trying to buy a cash-flow property that I can hold for a few years, while a tenant pays the mortgage and a few dollars profit every month.

Recently, i've hit a road block in my search for the first investment property. Conflicting information of where to find deals. I've been using realtors to see homes on the MLS, but i've heard people saying that:

MLS listings aren't good deals, or there's too much competition
Sheriff's sales are bad for the novice buyer
Pocket Sales/Exclusive sales are hard to find
Local connections...I've been to a local RE meeting, and all the wholesalers seemed like sharks, and you need to buy cash.

I have enough money for a down payment, and IMMACULATE credit. I want a cash flow property, where should I look to find deals? MLS, craiglist, sheriff sales? I've hit a roadblock!