posting in my journal

I have contacted several real estate agents and most don't want to seem to be bothered with helping me out. The first question they ask if I have already been preapproved by a bank or lender. When they learn that I have not, they don't want to work with me.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I have been working so hard, going to area town halls, reading as much material as I can and looking at properties that have received a notice of default and to be honest I'm getting very discouraged.
I have placed several ads online seeking other investors who would be interested in working with me, assigning a contract or bird-dogging. All I keep getting are people who want to advertise something they are selling online. I have left letters in mailboxes to owners who have received notices of default.
One real estate agent contacted me. She had previously invested in real estate and has decided to start looking for deals for herself, which is not going to benefit me.
I feel like I am at a dead-end.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Lori

I found the conference call very inspiring. I sent out some more emails this evening. I have a good feeling that I will receive some possible leads.

I really enjoy reading everyone's journals. I get some great advice from them.

Thanks DG Family for all your input.

On my way to success.

LoriCT if you still want a preapproval letter you need to furnish them (the loan officer) with information. This is free and does not cost you anything. It will only give you an amount of what you can buy based upon your earnings or investments. If anything at all it will get you more at ease around those people that at one time or another you may need to talk to. I have a good contact with mine and he let's me know what is going on with current rates and such.

Thanks. I will definitely do that.

I was just rereading your post about the RE agent who is going to start investing again herself. Did she say she didn't want to work with you? I think there would probably be enough deals that you wouldn't necessarily have to compete, and you could probably learn a lot through her by putting in some offers. Just in conversation and in practicing with someone that already has an idea of where you're coming from. Like Hoosierman said, just getting to feel at ease talking with those in RE circles is a big plus. Just a thought.

Rina

btw, I don't know if I said welcome to the DG Family. Welcome, and I look forward to following your journal.

Hi Rina,
The real estate agent/investor did not specifically say that she wouldn't work with me but that is the impression I got. I responded to her ad on craigslist "looking for a RE Agent?". Through speaking with her, I learned that she was a REI some years ago and decided to get her license and sell real estate rather be a REI. She has just recently started doing REI'S. She invited me to meet up with a small group of investors that meet every other week. Even though it's an hour ride to the meeting place, I am going to take her up on the offer. I am also attending my first meeting with the CTREI association on the 16th of the month. I'm hoping to meet lots of people so I can build my team.

Thanks for your input.

That group should be a good resource.