I have found 3 clients through networking, 1 through a handyman.com ad I posted, and 1 through a mailing. Although it has been slow going (relatively, after all I only started last june) I am getting paid what I am worth. And, my most recent client is so happy with me that he said he will gladly send business my way when an opportunity arises.
I 'spect networking and referrals (tell everyone you know that you are doing this) will bring much more success than bidding sites.