Any Advice on using Virtual Assistants Effectively

[Michael Tempel]

This isn't a new strategy, but something that is new to me.   Can anyone give me any advice or success/horror stories on using a Virtual Assistant?   I have a lot of new areas I am focusing on at the same time in our businesses and as much as I would like to hire a full time Business Developement Manager or other employes, the payroll would just outweigh the benefits unless everything went exactly as planned.   

Here is what I was hoping to use a VA for:

1.  To call on existing owners to help source off market opportunities

2.  Assist with data collection to help compile list for off market opportunities or potential business aquistions

3. Fill in the areas that day to day is hard to maintain as the business grows: Accounting, customer service, social media.....really any task that could be successfully managed with a VA....open to suggestions since I think I am limiting my options out of fear that the task will be performed to the level I expect.

Again, any advice is extremely appreciated, also looking for recommendations for the best sources to find quality VA's.