Where to go from here? Having difficult time finding my 1st deal

[Duane Alexander]

I'm in Atlanta looking for my first house to flip. I have an investor friendly agent, been combing the MLS, and putting in offers for around 3-4 months to no avail. I'm tapped in with 3 different wholesaling acquisition firms. I've been sent deal after deal that only offer me around 75%-80% of arv minus repairs at best from these acquisition firms which I'm hesitant to consider due to the lack of meat on the bone considering the level of rehab required (99% have been full gut rehabs).

Is it worth me getting into direct marketing to find my first deal? It seems like a lot to undertake just for my first deal but I'm willing to get a carrot site, subscription to prop stream, and start direct marketing if this can result in finding something better than has been coming across my desk so far. 

What would you guys recommend? Should I stick with my current approach and be patient?