Deal First vs Funding First

[Tucker Cummings]

I haven't had much luck in attracting Private Money Lenders. I've tried networking with them, but most don't seem to have the time of day for a newbie investor who hasn't done any BRRRR deals or flips yet (understandable). My approach has been an organic outreach with an invitation to connect and hopefully a brief conversation to see what kind of deals they fund, criteria and if we would be a good fit.

However, I've got decent deal flow coming my way and have practiced analyzing deals daily, so I know a good deal when I see it. Problem is I haven't been acting on any of them because I don't have funding already lined up. I'm wondering if I would have more luck by locking up a deal, and using the analysis to pitch to PMLs. 

Thoughts on both side? Keep being diligent in reaching out to lenders or using deals as a marketing device?