[mjs00]

It's very possible but initially a bit time consuming to get a relationship to the point where you can just give work to someone and get results. What I've done to get there:

Post a smallish job with a key element or two you will need (as a test). Require that you only want to hear from folks who have delivered very similar work and can provide links to it, and ask a pertinent question they should be able to answer in their response.

Ignore the folks that are not responsive to your request as dozens of individuals and outsource groups will respond yes to everything and reply only with a generic reply of work done.

Award the simple project to multiple folks who look like they've tackled things similar to what you want, done in a style you like. Set very specific milestones and structured release of payments for work against that and pay promptly. After completion, pick from them who to work with going forward on your project

BTW, I disagree with 'run-off' method. I think results of test are biased if they feel know are trying to win bigger job. Much better I think to assess completed small project, then offer a larger job only to those that you feel you would want to continue to work with on a larger or more extended basis.