You must put in the time to learn the vocab, some techniques, the processes involved in an acquisition.After that basic education, you'll know 'how to open your desk' and can look for an investor at a local meet up, a REIA or similar organization to mix and mingle with seasoned investors. 

Look for more complicated types of leads, difficult probates, reverse mortgages, IRS liens etc.

This is pretty complicated and in order to get even close to an accurate answer your question, you'll need to provide the filing/recording dates of the mortgage/deed of trust as well as the FTLs.

My reason for joining BP is to gain knowledge on managing my first property, prep for further purchases, learn different techniques for expanding wealth,and help as many people find and meet their goals.

I would suggest though that the answer is much more complicated than that.

I would suggest you study subject-to threads on the forums if you are not familiar with the technique and the paperwork involved.

I had a mentor and had built great momentum and learned many techniques on how to locate property owners, establish comps, and zero in on deals.

A real estate transaction is complicated enough without having the sellers using their position in the property, to spite their partner!

I have been sending letters to absentee owners but haven't had much success.Can anyone share any techniques for cold calling that is working for them?

It seems to me to be completely unsuitable for a Real Estate application,  for many reasons which are too complicated to enumerate here.