Finding Investors...New Bird Dog Here needing some advise

[Jonathan Van Sickle]

I am starting to bird dog for a couple investors and I am looking to sell rentals and rehabs. I was told to go out and start networking with investors who are hard money lenders that may know these kinds of investors. One of the interesting factors is that the properties for one investor is out of state. So I am not only just trying to find an investor to by a rental or rehab, but an investor that will buy nationally.
I found Bigger Pockets which I thought was an awesome idea, very focused in on real Estate. I have been looking for investors in my area, found a few, but have not had much luck getting in contact with any. So the forum looked like the next best place. Do any of you seasoned investors have any good tips or advise for a fresh newbie??

Thank You :)