Definitely get active in the forums and check out a few local real estate groups like Black Diamond and Boston Wealth Builders.

Like Paul said try getting out to the REIAs and other investor events and you will meet people and hear about some stuff.Now keep in mind MOST of the people you will meet that say they are wholesalers will be exactly what you have already described and most of the "deal" you will hear about at the meeting are crap not worth buying, but it is a diamond in the rough kind of thing.

If you want to make some connections you can try getting out to the Black Diamond meeting in Worcester, that is probably the closest bigger group to you. 

Knowing you are still paying attention makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside I am impressed with your follow-up.I found some really good stuff about dealing with sellers on the phone from Claude Diamond.

I Look forward  to reading Your post an Networking , This site is a diamond in the rough.

My favorite is the Black Diamond meeting that meets in Waltham which was actually last night so have to wait a while for that one.  

In addition, Black Diamond (url in my signature) is having a meeting on 1/27 on "Packaging your Commercial deal for the best rates, terms and sources of funds". 

I look at earrings based on my down payment.

The ones that I know about are the RI Real Estate Investors Group and Black Diamond Real Estate Investors. 

Though fortuitously probably the best meeting is the closest to you, the Black Diamond meeting in Waltham (2nd one in Worcester).