Advice on lead generation services

[Jeff Boardman]

Has anyone ever used paid lead generation services?  Is this a waste of money or a serious time saver?  How much is a single successful lead worth?  How much are 20 worth?  What percentage of your "warm" leads result in a deal?  I am just getting in to the business seriously and don't want to be a spendthrift needlessly, but I am also working abroad presently and thus out of town by default, making in person networking and lead generation more difficult.