[rahoulb]

I've hired about ten people through oDesk; it took about a year before I got good at it (and I wasted a lot of money in doing so) but there are good people there.

As ever, good communication is key (I insist on them being in a campfire room with me whilst working so problems can be dealt with immediately).

EDIT: sorry, just noticed you said "found work", so my answer isn't really relevant.