Brokers are definitely the most effective method to find deals but  it’s always good to try multiple methods. 

Use the enemy method and comb Facebook groups in your market 

I'm take interested in the BRRR method and but and hold.

: Straight Talk From a Business RebelNever Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On ItPitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the DealThe Book on Negotiating Real Estate: Expert Strategies for Getting the Best Deals When Buying & Selling Investment Property Commercial Real EstateCommercial Mortgages 101: Everything You Need to Know to Create a Winning Loan Request PackageCommercial Real Estate Investing: A Creative Guide to Succesfully Making MoneyCrushing It in Apartments and Commercial Real Estate: How a Small Investor Can Make It BigHow to Create Wealth Investing in Real EstateInvesting in Apartment Buildings: Create a Reliable Stream of Income and Build Long-Term WealthIt's a Whole New Business!

I've been able to use this method for clients who quit their jobs before trying to buy, though this was for owner-occupied loans. 

If I can keep a trades person for 5 years I am surprised.The idea of having an Angie's list type of a service for investors seems good, but right now its competitive to get good people to do any type of work and I would be weary of hiring people from a list without a personal recommendation.

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) regulates advertising and in the case of rental properties, fair housing complaints could come into play too. 

What have been the most effective methods for you?

You have what many people don't have when they decide to invest - a verifiable skill used in the trade of real estate investing.

Thank you @Cody Neumann I will use this method too.