I know of several local investors and real estate agents not on BP who have expressed an interest in attending such an event. 

You've already read @Brandon Turner's book, but you may want to re-read it if your not clear on all the strategies available to you for finding deals.Also, he's hosting a webinar tonight on that exact topic:https://www.biggerpockets.com/webinarI've connected with a number of investors at CFRI and outside of it who have expressed interest in funding 100% of my deals in exchange for 50% of the profits.  

Meanwhile my mom expressed that she wants to start investing as well.

@Kevin Burns I used a Groupon for real estate express.

Search Groupon Dallas as they had a great deal from Real Estate Express 

When there are replies to that pitch from some of those prospects expressing interest, then I can take it from there and close the deal.I tried two virtual assistant companies from India, recommended by Tim Ferriss in the Four Hour Work Week, Brickwork and Your Man in India, neither of them worked out. 

I ask them questions and I want to see their facial expressions.

Feed their own language back to them to express that you understand, and ask questions where you honestly don't understand.Hope this helps ...

I posted a letter on the door expressing my interest in the home.

Lenders have expressed a willingness to loan us money as individuals for a mortgage loan, but not to our companies.